LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



DODOmaEflEfl 





i5| 

: 




1 

i 



^^ % 








y.s^ A 





















' o.*' 











.^'% 







"^.^ ^ 












.^'\ 










'-* 









V* 






C 



i^^',^^ % °"%p^* /\ •,«♦• ^% ° 



t^ '»?*^* -^•^ 



^ .^L'A^'* *> 



v 






^-^^^^ 









^•1°* 






/ '^ 







N\"^^. 






oV 










(•> 



.n"" , o " « . 



ff ^^ 



<3 >i B. r 3^ 



HISTORY 



I 
OF 




THE FIGURES ENGRAVED ON WOOD, 

:HIEFLY COPIED FROM THE ORIGINAL OF T. BEWICK, 



^^^Su Q^, \M^nd&^6on , 






FIRST AMERICAN ^^I'JJ^QN. 

ffiSitl) an SppenQty, •■ 

CONTAINING 

SOME AMERICAJSr AMIRfAl^S 

?^OT HITHERTO DESCRIBED. 



*O'^C"^o^i«i<^<y0<:>-0^o< 



i4^ 



^^4^n^.^ 




NEW-YORK : 

PRINTED BY G. & R. WAITE, NO. 64, MAIDEN-LANE, 
1804, 



t^lSt^ 



'|»-M^t^' 



Q^ 



,"3 '■5'^ 



/■/f7/s 



In disposing tile order of the following work, we have not 
thought it necessary to confine ourselves stri6lly within the 
rules prescribed by systematic writers on this part of Natural 
History ; as it was not so much the obje6l of our plan to lay 
down a methodical arrangement of the various tribes of four- 
footed animals, as to give a clear and concise account of the 
nature, habits, and disposition of each, accompanied with more 
accurate representations than have hitherto appeared in any 
work of this kind. Our disregard of system, however, has not 
prevented us from attending to the great divisions of Quadru- 
peds, so obviously marked out by the hand of Nature, and so 
clearly distinguished, that the most careless observer cannot 
avoid being forcibly struck with an agreement of parts in the 
outward appearance of the different individuals of which it 
consists. 

The intermediate stations, however, have not been always 
clearly defined ; these are frequently occupied by charadlers 
so dubious, that naturalists have not always agreed in ascrib- 
ing to each its proper place : Of this kind are the Elephant, 
the Hippopotamus, the Rhinoceros, the Cameleopard, the 
Beaver, the Hedge-hog, the Sloth, the Jerboa, &c. which 
bear in themselves characteristics so peculiar, that they might 
seem to constitute distindl genera. 

We have endeavoured to lay before our readers a particular 
account of the animals with which this country is abun- 
dantly stored, especially of those which so materially contri- 
bute to the strength, the wealth, and the happiness of a 
nation; of these the Horse, the Cow, and the Sheep, claim 
the first place ; and in treating of these, we have noticed the 
improvements which an enlarged system of agriculture, sup- 
ported by a noble spirit of emulation, has introduced into all 



T. X, xxxtt^ auu iiiai most use- 
ful animal the Dog, the account of which forms a conspicu- 
ous part of our history, and we trust will afford some enter- 
tainment to those who are pleased with contemplating the va- 
rious talents of that trusty servant and humble companion of 
man : We have selected the most remarkable of the different 
kinds, and have given faithful portraits of them, drawn from 
the life : there are still others, not unworthy of attention, 
which might have been added ; but to have noticed all the 
variations and shades of difference observeable in the canine 
race, would have swelled our account, already large, to an 
immoderate length, and have left us too little room forsothers 
of equal importance, in a comprehensive view of this part of 
the animal creation. 

Our attention has been dire61ed in a particular manner to 
the various instin6live powers of animals — that hidden prin- 
ciple, which a6luates and impels every living creature to pro- 
cure its subsistence, provide for its safety, and propagate its 
kind. To discover more and more of this unerring 
guide, dire6ling the brute creation to their highest good by 
the simplest and most certain methods, is a pursuit worthy 
of the most refined understanding, and leads us to contem- 
plate the wisdom and goodness of the adorable Author of 
Nature, who "openeth his hand, and all things are filled 
with good." 

It may perhaps be thought necessary to offer some apology 
for the evident want of proportion observable in the size of 
the different animals; a defe6l to which every work of this 
kind must, in some measure, be liable. In adverting to this, 
we found, at whatever point, between the Elephant and the 
Mouse, the scale v/ere to be fixed, a great and unavoidable 
deficiency would be the consequence ; Ave were therefore ob- 
bliged to relinquish a plan, which, so far from being pra6li- 
cable, would have been the means of throwing the whole into 
in-egularity and confusion. 



^tttiejr. 



A PAGE. 

AdIVE - - 323 

Agouti - - 382 

AkoQchi - - 383 

Ai - " - 494 

Amphibious Animal 527 

Ant-eater, the Great 495 

the Middle 496 

the Lesser ibid. 

Antelope, the Common 106 

the Barbary 107 

the Scythian 100 

the Striped ibid. 

Ape, the Long-armed 452 

the Barbary - 453 

Armadillo - - 498 

the Three- 
banded - 499 

the Six-banded 500 

the Eight- 
banded - ibid, 

the Nine-band- 
ed - 501 

the Weasel- 
headed - 502 
Ass - - - 19 
Axis - - - 141 

B 

Baboon - - 454 
the Great Ribbed- 

nose - 456 
the small Ribbed- 
nose - 458 
the Pig-tailed 459 
the Dog-faced 460 
the Ursine - 461 
Babiroussa - - 172 
Babr - - - 213 
Badger - - 281 



PAGE. 

Badger, Stinking - 276 
Sow - 284 
Bat - - - 510 
the Short-eared - ibid^ 
the Long-eared - 512 
the No6lule, or Great ibid» 
the Pipistrelle - 513 
the Barbastelle - ibid. 
the Serotine - ibid. 
the Horse-shoe - ibid. 
the Great Ternate 515 
the Rougette, or Les- 
ser Ternate - 516 
the Spe6lre - 517 
the Senegal - ibid. 
the Bull-dog - ibid. 
the Bearded - 518 
the Striped - ibid» 
Bear, the Brown - 288 
the Polar - 294 
the Black - 288 
Beaver - - ^417 
Bison - - 43 
Blue-Goat - 90 
Boar, the Wild - 160 
the Common, or 

Domestic - 162 

the African Wild 167 

Bucha - • - 46 

Buffalo . . ^ 47 



Callitrix 


466 


Camel 


150 


the Arabian 


154 


Cameleopard 


118 


Capibara 


381 


Caracal 


238 


the Nubian 


239 


Carcajou 


285 



VI 



INDEX. 



Caribou 


134 


Dog, the Lyemmer 


843 


Cat, the Domestic 


231 


the Lurcher 


ibid. 


Cat, the Wild 


228 


the Tumbler 


244 


the V/ild Red 


227 


the Terrier 


345 


Angora 


230 


the Beagle 


346 


Cavy, the Restless 


377 


the Harrier 


347 


the Spotted 


379 


the Fox Hound 


348 


the Long-nosed 


382 


the Old English 




the Akouchi 


383 


Hound 


351 


the Rock 


384 


the Kibcle Hound 


352 


Chevrotain 


107 


the Blood Hound 


ibid. 


Chinche 


265 


the Spanish Pointer 355 


Civet 


270 


the English Setter 


356 


Coaita 


471 


the Newfoundland 


357 


Coati 


277 


the Rough Water 


360 


Conepatc 


267 


the Large Water- 




Corin 


107 


Spaniel 


361 


Couguar 


219 


the Small Water- 




Coquallin 


388 


Spaniel 


362 


Cow 


25 


the Springer, or 








Cocker 


363 






King Charles's 


ibid. 


D 




the Pyrame 


ibid. 


Deer, Red 


135 


the Shock 


2bid. 


the Fallow- 


143 


the Lion 


364 


Dog 


324 


the Comforter 


ibid. 


the Shepherd's 


327 


the Turnspit 


365 


the Cur 


329 


the Pug 


ibid. 


the Greenland 


331 


Dormouse, the Greater 


392 


the Bull 


334 


the Lesser 


393 


the MastifF 


336 


Douc - - - 


469 


the Ban 


338 


Dromedary 


154 


the Daimation, or 








Coach 


339 


E 




the Irish Greyhound 340 


Elephant 


186 


the Highland Grey- 




1 Elk - - 


120 


hound 


341 


the American 


125 


the Gazehound 


ibid. 


; Elk Antelope 


96 


the Greyhound 


342 


1 Ermine 


247 


the Italian Grey- 




Exquima 


472 


hound 


ibid. 









INDEX. 


vii 


F 




Horse - - - 


1 


Ferret 


248 


the Arabian 


4 


Fitchet - 


252 


. the Race-horse 


6 


Fossane 


254 


the Hunter 


• 8 


Foumart 


252 


the Black 


10 


Fox 


363 


Old English Road 


- 9 


the Grevhound 


307 


Poney 


12 


the Mastiff 


ibid. 


the Comniou Cart 


13 


the Cur 


308 


the Impro^ed Cart 


14 


the Black 


3iO 


Pack-horse 


ibid. 


the Cross 


310 


Hyena, the Striped 


298 


the Arctic 


311 


the Spotted 


301 


Free Martin 


- 28 


I 
^bex - - « 




G 




80 


Gazelles 


89 


Ichneumon 


26 1 


Gemse-Bok 


101 


Ibrys - - 


236 


Genet 


268 






Giraffe 


118 


J 




Gnu 


104 


Jackall - . 


320 


Goat 


77 


Jaguar 


2ir 


the Chamois 


8i 


Jerboa - - - 


397 


of Angora 


86 






of Thibet 


idid. 


K 




of Portugal 


ibid. 


Kabassou 


502 


the Syrian 


88 


Kanguroo 


439 


African 


ibid. 


Kanguroo-Rat 


441 


Grunting- Ox 


46 


Kevel 


107 


Grys-Bok 


103 


Klip-Springer 


103 


Guanacas 


156 


Koba 


108 


Guinea-Pig 


srr 


Koedoe - - 


100 


Glutton 


285 


L 




H 




Lama - - - 


155 


Hamster 


404 


Leming - - - 


409 


of Georgia - 


525 


Leopard 


214 


Hare 


369 


lion 


199 


the Alpine 


372 


Lion-Ape 


476 


Hart-Beast 


98 


Loris - - . 


445 


Hedge-hog 


484 


Loucku 


213 


Hippop .tamus 


182 


Lynx 


235 


Hog - - . 


159 


the Bay 


236 



Viii 


INDEX. 






M 




Monkey, the Fox-tailed 


474 


Macauco, the Yellow 


443 




the Great- eared ibid. 


the Ring-tailed 


442 




the Silky 


476 


the Tail-less 


444 




the Red-tailed 


477 


the Mongooz 


445 




the Mico, or 




the Black . 


446 




Fair 


478 


MamiYioth of New- York 528 


Mouflon, or Musmon - 


74 


Man gab ey 


465 


Mouse 


; - - - 


421 


Manis 


497 




Long-tailed Field 


422 


the Long-tailed 


498 




Short-tailed Field 


423 


<Marapute 


226 




Shrew 


424 


^argay 


224 




Water Shrew - 


425 


Marmot 


399 




Dwarf 


426 


the Quebec 


403 


Mule 


... 


16 


the Earless - 


407 


Musk 


- 


115 


"Marmot, the Tail-less 


408 


Musk-Bull 


49 


the Lapland 


409 


Mustache 


467 


Martin 


256 








the Yellow-breast 


. 




N 




ed 


255 


Nanguer 


105 


Meihinna 


109 


Nems 


... 


250 


Mexican Hog 


169 


Nyi-Ghau 


112 


Mole 


427 








Radiated 


429 




O 




the Yellow 


ibid. 


Ocelot 


. 


222 


Monix 


402 


Ondatra 


415 


-Monkey, the Hare-lipped 463 


Opossum, Saragoy 


430 


the Patas, or 






Murine 


432 


Red - 


ibid. 




Mexican 


433 


the Chinese 






the Phalanger 


434 


Bonnet 


465 




the Spotted 


435 


ihe Callitrix, oi 






the Vulpine 


ibid. 


Green 


466 




the Flying 


436 


the Varied, or 






of Van Die- 




Mona 


468 




men's Land 437 


the Preacher 


471 




Squirrel 


438 


the Spider 


472 


Our an 


-Outang 


449 


the Saimira, or 




Otter 


. . - 


487 


Orange 


475 


the Sea 


491 


the Weeper 


ibid. 


Ounce 


- ■ 


216 


the Striated 


47o 


Ox 


. - . 


25 



INDEX, 



tx 



Ox, Holstein, or Dutch 

Breed - - 29 

Improved ditto - 30 

the Lancashire - 33 

the Lancashire Ox 35 

Kyloe ... 36 

Wild Cattle - 38 

Original - . 125 



Ree-Bok, Riet « - ld2 

Rein-Deer - - 12t 

Rhinoceros - - ITS 

the Two-horned 179 

Roe-Buck - - 146 

Ruminating Animals 24 







Sable - - - 258 


p 




Sagoin - - - 469 


Pacos - - .. 


157 


Sajou - - ^ 472 


Panther 


212 


Saki - - . 474 


Patas 


463 


Sacawinkee - - ibid. 


Peccary 


169 


Sand-Bear - - 284 


Persian Savage 


461 


Sapajou - - 469 


Phalanger 


434 


Sarluc - - - 46 


Pied-Goat 


91 


Scaly Lizard - 498 


Pigmy 


451 


Sea Horse - - 503 


Polecat 


252 


Seal - - - 505 


Porcupine 


480 


the Hooded - 507 


the Brazilian 


482 


the Ursine - 508 


Porcupine, the Canada 


483 


Serval - - 226 


Potto 


443 


Shark Viviparous of Long 

Island - 530 


R 




Sheep, wild of Californa 526 


Rabbit - ^ . 


374 


Sheep " -. - ^^ 


the Domestic 


376 


Sheep, Lincolnshire Breed 54 


of Angora 


ibid. 


Dorsetshire Ditto ibid. 


the Hooded 


ibid. 


the Short - 56 


Racoon 


279 


Leicestershire ditto 63 


Ram, Black-faced 


56 


Mr. Culley's breed 66 


Heath 


57 


the Shetland - 68 


Cheviot 


58 


the Dunky or 


Tees-Water - 


6o 


Dwarf - 70 


Ditto Improved 


61 


the Tartarian - 71 


Rat 


411 


the African, or 


Water 


414 


Guinea - ibid. 


Musk of Canada 


415 


the Many-horned 72 


Muscovy Musk 


416 


the Broad-tailed /^/V/. 


Ratel 


275 


of Thibet ^ 73 


Ree-Bok 


102 


the Wallachian ibid. 



X 


INDEX. 




Sifac . . . 


265 


Ten ac - - 


485 


Skunk - . . - ^ 


mmr 


Tiger - - 


;^06 


Sloth 


493 


the Black 


<:lz\ 


Sousllk - - - 


407 


Cat 


227 


Sow, of the improved 




1 




breed 


164 


i u 




Chinese 


166 


!«Unau 


494 


Springer 


94 


: Urus, or Wild Bull 


42 


Squirrel 


385 


1 Urchin 


484 


the Hudson's Bay 


390 






the Gray 


387 


V 




the Black 


388 


Vansire 


250 


the Ground 


389 






the Barbary 


391 ■ 


W 




the Palm 


ibid 


Walrus 


503 


the Fat - - 


39 


Wanderou 


462 


the Garden 


ibid 


Weasel - - 


242 


the Flying 


394 


the White 


247 


the Great Flying 


395 


the Madagascar 


250 


the Flooded 


ibid. 


the Pine 


256 


the Long-tailed 


396 


the Fisher 


260 


Stag, or Red Deer 


135 


the Four-toed 


274 


the Corsican - 


140 


the Brazilian 


277 


the Axis or Ganges 


141 


Wolf 


313 


Steen-Bok 


105 


the New South- 




Stifling, or Squash 


266 


Waies 


319 


Stoat 


246 


Wolverine 


285 


Suricate 


274 


Wombach 


522- 


Syah-Gush 


238 


Wood- Go at - - 


92 


Swift Antelope . 


105 


z 

Zebra - 




T 




22 


Talapoin 


467 


Zebu - - - 


44 


Talgoi . - . 


496 


Zemni 


408 


Tanrec 


486 


Zibet 


273 


Tapiir 


174 


Zizel - - . - 


408 


Tarsier 


446 


Zorilla 


267 



a General 



o^ 



QUADRUPEDS, 






THE HORSE. 
(Equus Cahallus, Linnaeus. — Le Cheval. BufFon.) 



T, 



HE various excellencies of this noble animal, the 
grandeur of his stature, the elegance and proportion of 
his parts, the beautiful smoothness of his skin, the va- 
riety and gracefulness of his motions, and, above all, his 
utility, entitle him to a precedence in the history of the 
brute creation. 

The Horse, in his domestic state, is generous, docile, 
spirited, and yet obedient; adapted to the various pur- 
poses of pleasure and convenience^, he is equally ser- 
viceable in the draught, the field, or the race. 

1 here are few parts of the known world where tlie 
Horse is not produced; but, if we w^ould see him in 
the enjoyment of his native freedom, (unsubdued hy 
the restraints man has imposed upon him) we must look 
for him in the wild and extensive plains of Africa and 
Arabia, where he ranges without controul, in a stale of 
entire independency. In those immense tracts, the wild 
Horses may be seen feeding together, in droves of four 
or five hundred ; one of them always acting as centi- 
nel, to give notice of approaching "danger: This h.c 



S HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

does by a kind of snorting noise, upon which they all 
fly off with astonishing rapidity. The wild Horses of 
Arabia are esteemed the most beautiful in the world : 
They are of a brown colour, their mane and tail of 
black tufted hair, very short; they are smaller than the 
tame ones, are very active, and of great swiftness. The 
most usual method of taking them is by snares or pits 
formed in the sand. — It is probable there were once 
wild horses in Europe, which have long since been 
brought under subjection. — Those found in America 
were originally of the Spanish breed, sent thither upon 
its first discovery, which have since become wild, and 
spread themselves over various parts of that vast conti- 
nent. They are generally small, not exceeding four- 
teen hands high; with thick heads, and clumsy joints: 
Their ears and necks are longer than those of the En- 
glish Florses. They are easily tamed ; and if by acci- 
dent they should regain their liberty, they seldom be- 
come wild again, but know their master, and may be 
easily caught by him. 

At the age of two years,* the Horse is in a condition 
to propagate. — The mare is generally in season from the 

* There are various ways of judging of the age of a Horse. 
The following are the most general: — The eye-pits of old Horses 
are commonly hollow; bat that mark is equivocal, young Horses, 
begot by old stallions, having them also hollow, — The teeth afford 
the best criterion of the age of Horses. The Horse has, in all, 
forty teeth; viz. twenty-fo.tr grinders, four canine teeth or tusks, 
and twelve fore-teeth: iviares have either no tu>ks, or very short 
ones. Five days after birth, the four teeth in front begin to shoot: 
These are calleJ nippers, and are cast at the age of two years and a 
half: They are soon renewed: And the next year, he again casts 
t^vo above, and two below, — one on each side of the nippers. At 
four years and a half, other four fall out, next those last placed: 
These last four foal teeth are succeeded by other four, wiaich grow 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. ' ."5 

latter end of March till the beginning of June ; but her 
chief ardour for the Horse continues only fifteen or 
twenty days. She goes with young eleven months and 
some days; continues to breed till the age of sixteen or 
eighteen years; and lives on an average, between twen- 
ty and thirty years. 

Although the Horse is endowed Vv^ith vast strength 
and powers, he seldom exerts either to the prejudice of 
his master : On the contrary, he shares with him in his 
labours, and seems to participate in his pleasures ; ge- 
nerous and persevering, he gives up his whole powers 
to the service of his master ; though bold and intrepid, 
he represses the natural vivacity and fire of his temper, 
and not only yields to the hand, but seems to consult 
the inclination, of his rider. 

But it must continue to be matter of regret to every 
feeling mind, that these excellent qualities should be 
often shamefully abused in the most unnecessary exer- 
tions ; and the honest labours of this noble animal 
■ throv^n away in the ungrateful task of accomplishing 
the purposes of unfeeling folly, or lavished in gratifying 
the expectations of an intemperate moment. 

much more slowly than the first eight: And it is from these last 
four corner teeth, that the age of a horse is distinguished: Tiiey 
are somewhat hollow in the middle, and have a bla*:k mark ifi the 
cavities. At five years, these teeth scarcely rise above the gums; 
at six, their cavities begin to filK up, ar.d turn to a brownish spot, 
like the eye of a garden bean; and before eight years the mark ge- 
nerally disappears. — The tusks also indicate the age of a horse. 
Those in the under jaw generally shoot at the age of three years 
and a half; and the two in the upper jaw at four: Till six, tisey con- 
tinue sharp at the points; but at ten, they appear long and bluiit d. 
— These are the general rules for ascertaining the age of a Il.irse; 
but there are frequent exceptions, as some Horses retaiu the mirk 
two or three years lon";er, 

A 2 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




THE ARABIAM HORSE. 



There is scarcely an Arabian, how poor soever in 
other respects, but is possessed of his Horse, which he 
considers as an invaluable treasure. Having no other 
dwelhng but a tent, the Arabian and his Horse live 
upon the most equal terms : His vv^ife and family, his 
mare and her foal, generally lie indiscriminately toge- 
ther; whilst the little children frequently climb without 
fear upon the body of the inoffensive animal, which 
permits them to play with and caress it without injury. 
The Arabs never beat their Horses ; they speak to, and 
seem to hold friendly intercourse with them ; they never 
whip them; and seldom, but in cases of necessity, make 
use of the spur. Their agility in leaping is w/onderful; 
and if the rider happen to fail, they are so tractable as 
to stand still in the midst of the most rapid career. — ^The 
Arabian Horses, in general less than the Race-Horses of 
this country, are easy and gracefufin their motions, and 
rather inclined to leanness. — It is worthy of remark, 
that, instead of crossing the breed, the Arabs take 



HISTORY OF OUADRUPEDS. g 

every precaution to keep it pure and unmixed : They 
preserve with the greatest care and for an amazing 
length of time, the genealogies of their Horses ; those 
of the first kind are called Nobles, being " of a pure 
and ancient race, purer than milk.*' They have like- 
wise two other kinds, which, having been degraded by 
common alliances, sell at inferior prices. 

From Arabia, the race of Horses has probably ex- 
tended into Barbary and other parts of Africa ; those 
being considered as next to the Arabian Horses in 
swiftness and beauty, though they are somewhat smaller. 



The Spanish Genette is held in great estimation : 
Like the former, it is small, but beautiful, and extreme- 
ly swift. 

The Horses of India and many parts of China are ex- 
tremely small and vicious. One of these was some 
years ago brought into this country as a present to the 
queen, which was very little larger than some mas- 
tiffs, measuring only nine hands in height. 




A3 



HISTORY OF QUADP.UPEDS, 




THE RACE HORSE. 

In Great-Britain the breed of horses seems to be as 
mixed as that of its inhabitants. — By great attention to 
the improvement of this noble animal, by a judicious 
mixture of several kinds, and by superior skill in ma- 
nagement, the English Race-Horse* is allowed to excel 

* The following account of the prizes Vvon by some of our capi- 
tal Race-Horses, will shew the importance of that breed in Eng- 
land where such vast sums frequently depend on the issue of their 
contests : — 

Bay Malto^, (by Sampson) the property of the late Marquis of 

Rockingham, in seven prizes won the amazing sum of 5,900!. At 

York, he ran four miles in seven minutes and forty-three and an half 

seconds, which was seven and an half seconds less time than it 

was ever done before over the same course. 

Childers, (well known by the name of Flying Childers) the pro- 
perty of the Duke of Devonshire, was allowed by sportsmen to be 
the fleetest Horse that ever was bred in the world : He started re- 
peatedly at Newmar^^et against the best horses of his time, and v/as 
never beaten: he won, in different prizes, to the amount of nearly 
2000I. ; and was afterwards reserved as a stallion. — The sire of 
Childers was an Arabian, sent by a gentleman as a present to his 
brother in England. 

DoRiMANT, a famous Horse belonging to Lord Ossory, won pri- 
ces to the great amount of 13,3631.' 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 7 

those of the rest of Europe, or perhaps the whole world. 
For supporting a continuance of violent exertion, (or what 
is called, in the language of the turf, bottom) they are 
superior to the Arabian, the Barb, or the Persian ; and for 
swiftness they will yield the palm to none. An ordinary 
Racer is known to go at the rate of a mile in less than 
two minutes; but there have been instances of much 
greater rapidity : The famous Horse Childers has been 
known to move eighty-two feet and an half in a second, 
or nearly a mile in a minute ; he has run rourtd the 
course at Newmarket, Vv^hich is little less than four 
miles, in six minutes and forty seconds. 

Eclipse was allowed to be the fleetest Horse that ever ran in 
England since the time of Childers. After winning king's plates 
and other prizes to a great amount, he covered, by subscription, 
forty mares, at thirty guineas each — besides those of his owner. 

Highflyer was accounted the best Horse of his time in Eng- 
land. The sums he won and received amounted to near 9,000!. 
though he never started after five years old. He was never beaten, 
nor ever paid a forfeit. 

Matchem, a horse belonging to the late W. Fenwick, Esq, besides 
being a capital racer, vs^as particularly remarkable as a stallion ; 
and may be truly said to have earned more money than any other 
Horse in the world. He was engaged during nine years of his life, 
to cover twentv-five mares, at 50 guinea-; a mare, and was uncD;n- 
monly successful in the celebrity of his progeny, having been sire 
to many of our most famous running Horses. He was remarkable 
for being the quietest stallion that ever was known ; to which per- 
haps may be attributed his great age, being in his thirty-third year 
when he died. 

Shark won, besides a cup value 120 gs. and eleven hogsheads 
of claret, the astonishing sum of 15,507 g?. in plates, matches, and 
forfeits. 

On the 2$th of March, 1799, a match for 3000 gs- was run at New- 
market, by Sir H. Vane Tempest's Hambletonian, and Mr. 
Crookson's Diamond, and won by the former. It wa? supposed 
that wagers to the amount of nearly two hundred tltouiAnd pounds 
were betted on the event of this severe race. 

A4 



8. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




THE HUJfTER 



Is a happy combination of the Race-Horse with others 
of superior strength, but inferior in swiftness ; and may 
be considered as the most useful breed of horses in 
Europe. Their spirit and activity in the field are well 
known, and can only be equalled by the perseverance 
with which they endure the much more severe labour 
of posting on the road, which is now carried on by this 
active and hardy race, with a celerity unknown at any 
former period. 

Geldings of this kind are sent over to the continent in 
great numbers: Their superior worth is universally ac- 
knowledged abroad ; and they are sold at very high 
prices to foreigners of the first distinction. 

The siiixture of this with others of inferior rank forms 
an endless variety, the difterent gradations becoming too 
rninute to be discriminated. 



HISTORY OF 2^JADRUPEDS. 



9 







THE OLD EJVGLISH ROAD-HORSE 

Is a strong, vigorous, and active kind, capable of en- 
during great hardship ; its stature rather low, seldom ex- 
ceeding fifteen hands; the body round and compact, its 
limbs strong, and its bead thick. 

Although this breed has of late years been neglect- 
ed, and almost totally superceded by Horses of another 
kind, more nearly related to the Race-Horse, where the 
fashion of figure seems to have been preferred to utility, 
we cannot help congratulating our associated country- 
men* on their spirited exertions towards public improve- 
ment, in which nothing of excellency in the various kinds 
of domestic animals is suffered to escape their vigilance, 
and this kind is again likely to be brought into notice. 
A mare of this breed, in the possession of Arthur 
Mowbray, Esq. of Sherburn, appears to us to possess 
all the valuable properties attributed to the old Road- 
Horse. 



Agricultural Societies. 



lO HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




THE BLACK HGRSE. 

No other country has produced a breed of Horses 
equal in size and strength to the larger kind of cur 
draught Horses. The cavalry of England formerly con- 
sisted of this class of Horses ; but their inutility being 
experienced in most situations, others of a lighter and 
more active kind have been generally substituted, except 
in a fev/ regiments. The fens of Lincolnshire produce 
a larger breed than any other part of the kingdom. In 
London, there have been instances where a single Horse 
of that kind has drawn, for a small space, the enormous 
weight of three tons, half of which is known to be 
their ordinary draught. 

Considerable improvements have of late years been 
made in this kind of Horses, by Mr. Bakewell of Dish- 
ley, and others ; who, by great ingenuity and attention, 
have acquired such celebrity, that they frequently sell 
stallions of their respective breeds for two hundred gui- 
neas; or, what is a more general practice, let them to 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 11' 

hire by the season, for forty, eighty, or perhaps an hun- 
dred guineas ; and some of them cover at five guineas 
a mare. The form of the black Lincohishire Horse 
has, by their management, been materially altered; 
The long fore-end, long back, and long thick hairy legs, 
have gradually contracted into a short thick carcase, a 
short but upright fore-end, and short clean legs ; expe- 
rience having at length proved, that strength and activi- 
ty, rather than height and weight, are the most essential 
properties of farm Horses. 

Another advantage possessed by this improved breed, 
is his hardiness, or thriving quality; its being able to 
carry Resh, or stand hard v/ork, with com.paratively lit- 
tle provender. This hardiness of constitution, or natu- 
ral propensity to thriving, the Leicestershire breeders 
assert is hereditary in particular individual breeds or lines 
of Horses. If this observation be just, and that the 
feeding quality can be obtained \Yit\i any degree of cer- 
tainty by management in breeding, in this as well as' 
other kinds of live stock, it is a most interesting cir- 
cumstance in the nature of domestic animals. 

A strong, bony, and active kind of Horses is now 
used in our carriages, instead of the old black Coach- 
Horse, which is almost universally laid aside. The 
docked tail, offensive both to humanity and decency, 
is rarely to be seen : Propriety and good sense have 
at length prevailed over a custom replete with absurdi- 
ty ; and our Horses are permitted to retain a member 
both useful and ornamental. But we have still to re- 
gret, that the cruel practice of forming the tail, by cut- 
ting and nicking it on the under side, is yet continued. 
Although it would be impossible to trace out the kind 
of Horses with which our British ancestors opposed 
themselves to the legions of Julius Cesar, on hi> landing 



*V't 



12 



HISTORY OF gUADRUPEDS. 



in this country ; yet that celebrated warrior himself 
bears testimony to their activity and discipline. 



The Ponies of Wales, and those brought out of the 
Highlands of Scotland, seem to be original and un- 
mixed. They are both much esteemed for the neat- 
ness and beauty of their forms, for the nimbleness of 
their motions, and, above all, for being remarkably sure 
footed in the most difficult roads, which renders them 
extremely valuable in the mountainous tracts to which 
they originally belong. — Those brought from Shet- 
land are the smallest of the genus, being in general, 
much less than the Ass. 



^i: 




HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 



IS 



f\ k 





THE COMMOJsT CART HORSE 

Is inferior to the Black Horse both in size and strength : 
His torni is heavy, his motions slow, and his aspect 
without sprighthness : he is nevertheless extrenieiy use- 
fuJ, and is employed in the business of agriculture and 
other domestic concerns. 










14? 



HISTORY OF (QUADRUPEDS, 




c 







THE IMPROVED CART HORSE, 



It will be gratifying to most of our readers to know 
that the spirit of improvement has extended itself great- 
ly to this useful breed ; and, to the advantages of 
strength and dociUty, has added those of form, activity, 
and vigour. — George Baker, Esq. of Elemore, in the 
county of Durham, has a remarkably fine Horse of this 
kind, from which this figure was drawn. 



Till of late years, Pack-Horses were employed in the 
northern counties of England, to carry the different ma- 
nufactures and articles of trafiic from one part of the 
kingdom to another; but the improved state of our 
roads has caused that mode of conveyance to be almost 
laid aside. In their journies over trackless moors, they 
strictly adhere to the line of order and regularity custom 
h:is taught them to observe : The leadinp^ Iiorsei whick 



HISTORY OF 2UAr>RUPEDS. 15 

is always chosen for his sagacity and steadiness, being 
furnished with bells, gives notice to the rest, who fol- 
low the sound, and generally without much deviation, 
though sometimes at a considerable distance. The fol- 
lowing anecdote will shew with v/hat obstinate perse- 
verance they have been known to observe the line of 
their order : — Some years ago one of these Horses, 
w^hich had been long accustomed to follow his leader, 
by accident or fatigae, was thrown into an inferior 
rank : The poor animal, as if sensible of his disgrace, by 
the most strenuous exertions, at length recovered his 
usual station, which he maintained during the re- 
mainder of the journey ; but, on his arrival in the inn- 
vard, he dropped down dead upon the spot, his life fal- 
ling a sacrifice to his ambition^- — a species of heroism 
we must admire even in the brute creation. 




'9iiisti^^lj^^SSIm^&&>}li^^Si^ 



16 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




THE MULE. 

This useful and hardy animal is the offspring cf the 
ilorse and the Ass, and being generally barren, fur- 
nishes an indisputable proof that the two species are 
perfectly distinct. Nature has providentially stopped 
the further propagation of these heterogeneous produc- 
tions, to preserve, uncontaminated, the form of each 
animal; without which regulation, the races w^ould in 
a short time be mixed with each other, ai^id every crea- 
ture, losing its original perfection, v/ould rapidly dege- 
nerate. 

Mules have not untrequently been known to bring 
forth young, especially in hot countries; and instances 
have not been wanting, though they are rare, both in 
England and Scotland. But it w^ould require a succes- 
sion of experiments to prove that Mules will breed 
with each other, and produce an offspring equally ca- 
pable of continuins^ the race. 

The common Mule is very healthy, and will live 
above thirty years. It is found very serviceable in car- 



HISTORY OF gUADRUPEDS. I7 

lying burthens, particularly in mountainous and stony 
places, where Horses are not so sure-footed. — The size 
and strength of our breed have lately been much im- 
proved by the importation of Spanish Male-Asses- and 
it v^ere much to be wished, that the useful qualities of 
this animal were more attended to: For, by proper 
care in its breaking, its natural obstinacy would in a 
great measure be corrected; and it might be formed 
with success for the saddle, the draught, or the bur- 
then. 

People of the first quality in Spain are drawn by 
Mules, where fifty or sixty guineas is no uncommon 
price for one of them ; nor is it surprizing, when we 
consider how far they excel the Horse in travelling in 
a mountainous country, the Mule being able to tread 
securely where the former can hardly stand. — Their 
manner of going down the precipices of the Alps, the 
Andes, &:c. is very extraordinary; and with it we will 
conclude their history. In these passages, on one side, 
are steep eminences, and, on the other, frightful abyss- 
es ; and, as they generally follow the direction of the 
mountain, the road, instead of lying in a level, forms, at 
every little distance, deep declivities of several hundred 
yards downward. These can only be descended by 
Mules; and the animal itself seems sensible of the dan- 
ger, and the caution that is to be used in such descents. 
When they come to the edge of one of these precipi- 
ces, they stop wiibout being checked by tne rider; and 
if he inadvertently attempt to spur them on, they con- 
tinue immoveable. They seem all this time ruminat- 
ing on the danger that lies before them, and preparing 
themselves for the encounter. They not only atten- 

B 



l8 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

tively view the road, but tremble and snort at the dan- 
ger. Having prepared for the descent, they place their 
fore feet in a posture, as if they v^ere stopping them- 
selves ; they then also put their hind feet together, but 
a little forward, as if they were going to lie down. In 
this attitude, having taken as it were a survey of the 
road, they slide down with the swiftness of a meteor. 
In the mean time, all the rider has to do is to keep 
himself fast on the saddle without checking the rein, 
for the least motion is sufficient to disorder the equili- 
brium of the Mule; in w^hich case they both unavoid- 
ably perish. But their address in this rapid descent is 
truly wonderful; for in their swiftest motion, when they 
seem to have lost all government of themselves, they fol- 
low exactly the different windings of the road, as if 
they had previously settled in their minds the route they 
were to follow, and taken every precaution for their 
safety. In this journey, the natives place themselves 
along the sides of the mountains , and, holding by the 
roots of the trees, animate the beasts with shouts, and 
encourage them to persevere. Some Mules, after be- 
ing long used to these joarnies, acquire a kind of repu- 
tation for their safety and skill; and their value rises in 
proportion to their fame. 



HISTORY OF gUADRUPEDS. 



19 




THE ASS, 



fEqiius Asinus, Lin. — HAne^ BufF.y^ 

The Ass, it is probable, was originally a native of 
Arabia and other parts of the East : The deserts of Ly- 
bia and Numidia, and many parts of the Archipelago, 
contain vast herds of wild Asses, which run with such 
amazing swiftness, that even the fleetest Horses of the 
country can hardly overtake them. They are chiefly 
caught by the natives on account of their flesh, which 
is eaten by them, and considered as a delicious repast. 
The flesh of the common or tame Ass is however drier, 
more tough, and disagreeable than that of the Horse: 
Galen says, it is even unwholesome: Its milk, on the 
contrary, is an approved remedy for certain disorders. 

The Ass, like the Horse, was originally imported in- 
to America by the Spaniards, where it has run wild, and 
become extremely numerous. Ulloa informs us that, in 
f the kingdom of Quito, they hunt them in the following 

B 2 



£0 ^HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

manner: — A number of persons on horseback, attend- 
ed by Indians on foot, form a large circle in order to 
drive them into a narrow compass, where at full speed 
they throw a noose over them, and having secured them 
with fetters, leave them till the chace is over, which 
frequently lasts for several day?. 

A warm climate is most favourable to the growth of 
this animal: The Ass produced in this country is much 
inferior in size and beauty to those of Spain and other 
w^arm countries : In Guinea, they are larger and more 
beautiful than even their Horses : In Persia, they have 
two kinds, — the one slow and heavy, which is made 
use of for carrying burthens; the other nimble, smooth, 
and stately, used chieiiy for the saddle. 

Holingshed informs us, that, in the reign of queen 
Elizabeth, there were no Asses in England: How 
soon after they might be introduced, is uncertain. How- 
ever they are at present naturalized in this kingdom, 
where their utility becomes daily more universally ex- 
perienced. 

The qualities of this animal are so well known as, to 
need no description : His gentleness, patience, and per- 
severance, are without example: He is temperate with 
regard to food, and eats contentedly the coarsest and 
most neglected herbage : U he give the preference to 
any vegetable, it is to the plantain, for which he will 
neglect every other herb in the pasture. In his water 
he is singularly nice, drinking only from the clearest 
brooks. He is so much afraid of wetting his feet, that 
even when loaden, he will turn aside, to avoid the dir- 
ty parts of the road. 

He is stronger, in proportion to his size, than the 
Horse; but more sluggish, stubborn and untractable. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. SI 

He -his hardier than the Horse ; and, of all other qua- 
drupedsj is least infested with hce or other vermin; pro- 
bably owing to the extreme hardness and dryness of his 
skin. For the same reason, perhaps, he is less sensitive 
of the goads of the whip, or the stinging of fiies. 

He is three or four years in coming to perfection ; 
and lives to the age of twenty, or sometimes twenty-iive 
years. He sleeps much less than the Horse, and never 
lies down for that purpose but when he is much fa- 
tigued. The She-Ass goes eleven months with young, 
and seldom produces more than one at a time. 

The services of this useful creature are too often re- 
paid by hard fare and cruel usage ; and being general- 
ly the property of the poor, it partakes of their wants 
and their distresses: Whereas, by due cultivation and 
care in its education, the Ass might be usefully and 
profitably employed in a variety of domestic purposes, 
and in many cases supply the place of the Horse, to 
which only it is second, though generally degraded into 
the most useless and neglected of domestic quadrupeds. 




B3 



22 



HISTORY OF gUADRUPEDS, 




m^m^ 



THE ZEBRA. 



(Eqmis Zebra, Lin. — Le ZebrCy BufF.^ 

Many authors have mistaken the Zebra for a wild 
Ass; it is the most beautiful, as well as the wildest, 
most timid, and untameable animal in nature. It is 
larger than the Ass, and rather resembles the Mule in 
shape: Its head is large; its ears long; its legs beauti- 
fully small, and well placed; and its body well formed, 
round, and fleshy: But the beauty of its shape is great- 
ly heightened by the glossy smoothness of i*"s skin, and 
the amazing regularity and elegance of its colours, which 
in some are white and brown, and in others white and 
black, ranged in alternate stripes over the whole body, 
in a style so beautiful and ornamental, that it would at 
first sight seem rather the effect of art, than the genu- 
ine production of nature : The head is striped with fine 
bands of black and white, which form a center in the 
forehead ; the neck is adorned with stripes of the same 
colour running round it; the body is beautifully varie- 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 03 

gated with bands running across the back, and ending 
in points at the belly ; its thighs^, its legs, its ears, and 
even its tail, are all beautifully streaked in the same 
manner. 

The Zebra inhabits the southern parts of Africa, 
where whole herds are seen feeding in those extensive 
plains that lie towards the Cape of Good Hope. How- 
ever, their watchfulness is such, that they will suffer 
nothing to come near them ; and their swiftness so great 
that they easily leave their pursuers far behind. 

Such is the beauty of this creature, that it seems by 
nature fitted to gratify the pride, and formed for the ser- 
vice of man ; and it is mast probable, that time and as- 
siduity alone are wanting to bring it under subjection. 
As it resembles the Horse in regard to its form, as w^ell 
as manner of living, there can be little doubt but it pos- 
sesses a similitude of nature, and only requires the ef- 
forts of an industrious and skilful nation, to be added 
to the number of our useful dependents. Nevertheless 
its liberty has hitherto remained uncontrouled, and its 
natural fierceness has as yet resisted every attempt to 
subdue it : Those that have been brought to this coun- 
try, have discovered a degree of viciousness that render- 
ed it unsafe to approach them too familiarly; but it is 
by 110 means to be concluded from hence, that they are 
untameable. They have continued to be wild, because 
they are natives of a country where the wretched inha- 
bitants have no other idea of advantage from the animal 
creation than as they are good for food, paying more 
regard to that which atTords the most delicious repa;^ 
than to delicacy of colouring, or beautv of conformation. 

B4 



24 KISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 

RUMIJ^fATING AJ%^IMALS, 

The various animals of this kind are entirely confin- 
ed to grain and herbage for their nourishment and sup- 
port; it is therefore necessary that they should be ena- 
bled to receive a large quantity into the stomach, as 
ivell as to retain it for a considerable time before it be 
reduced to proper chyle : For this purpose^ their intes- 
tines are remarkably long and capacious, and formed in- 
to a variety of foldings. They are furnished with no 
less than four stomachs. The food, after mastication, 
is thrown into the first stomach, where it remains some 
time ; after which, it is forced up again into the mouth 
and undergoes a second chewing: It is then sent direct- 
ly into the second stomach, and gradually passes into 
the third and fourth; from whence it is transmitted 
through the convolutions of the intestines. By this 
conformation, ruminating animals are enabled to de- 
vour large quantities of vegetable aliment, to retain it 
long in their bowels, and consequently extract from it 
a quannty of nutritious matter sufficient for their growth 
and support. 

The great obligations we are under to those of this 
class, render them objects of the highest importance to 
us. V/e are nourished with^heir milk, w^e are support- 
ed by their flesh, and we are clothed and warmed with 
their fleeces : Their harmlessness and innocence endear 
them to us, and claim from us that protection vvhich 
their natures seem to require ; and, in return, they sup- 
ply us with the necessaries and comforts of life. . 



HISTORY OF gUADKUPEDS. 25 

THE OX KIMD. 
{Bos Taurus, Lin. — Le Taureau, Buff.;! 

Of all quadrupeds, the Cow seems most extensively 
propagated : it is equally capable of enduring the ri- 
gours of heat and cold ; and is an inhabitant of the fro- 
zen, as well as the most scorching climates. Other 
animals preserve their nature or their form with inflex- 
ible perseverance ; but these in every respect, suit them- 
selves to the wants and conveniences of mankind. In 
no animal is there to be met with a greater variety of 
kinds ; and in none, a more humble and pliant disposi- 
tion. 

The climate and pastures of Great Britain are adapt- 
ed to the nature of this animal ; and we are indebted 
to the variety and abundance of our wholesome ve- 
getables, for the number and excellence of our cattle, 
which range over our hills, and enliven our plains — ?^ 
source of inexhaustible wealth — the pride and boast of 
this happy country. 

Being destitute of the upper fore teeth, the Cow pre- 
fers the high and rich grass in pastures, to the short and 
more delicate herbage generally selected by the Horse. 
For this reason, in our English pastures, where the 
grass is rather high and flourishing, than succulent and 
nutritious, the cow thrives admirably; and there is 
no part of Europe in which this animal grows larger, 
yields more milk, or fattens sooner. 

It has often been remarked, that the Horse and Sheep 
impoverish the soil on which they graze, whislt the pas- 
ture where the Cow is fed, acquires a finer surface, 
and every year becomes more level and beautiful : The 



q6 history of quadrupeds. 

Horse selects the grass that is most delicate and tender : 
and, being furnished with fore teeth on each jaw, nips 
it close, and frequently pulls it up by the roots, thereby 
preventing its future growth and propagation : The 
Sheep also^ though formed like the Cow with respect 
to its teeth, only bites the most succulent part of the 
herbage. 

The age of a Cow is known by its horns : At the age 
of four years, a ring is formed at their roots ; and every 
succeeding year, another ring is added. Thus, by allow- 
ing three years before their appearance, and then 
reckoning the number of rings, the creature's age may 
be exactly known. 

The quantity of milk given by Cows is very various : 
Some will yield only about six quarts in one day : while 
others give from ten to fifteen, and sometimes even 
twenty. The richness of the pasture contributes not a 
little to its increase. There have been instances of Cows 
giving upwards of thirty quarts of milk in one day. In 
" such cases, there is a necessity for milking them thrice. 
— From the milk of some Cows, twelve or fourteen 
pounds of butter are made in a week. 

It has been advanced by some naturalists, as a gene- 
ral principle, that neither animals, nor parts of animals, 
appear to be primarily intended for the use of man ; 
but are only capable of a secondary application to his 
purposes: Yet it must be allov^^ed that, in many instan- 
ces what they term the secondary use, is so manifest 
and important, that it cannot, v^ith propriety, be suppo- 
sed to be excluded from the original design of the all- 
wise Creator : and it must be allowed that the Cow, in 
its faculty of giving in such abundance and with so 
much ease, its milk, w'hich forms so rich and nutritive 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 27 

an aliment for the human species^ is a striking example 
of this subordination to the interests of mankind : For 
this animal differs, in some parts of its organization^ 
from most others, having a larger and more capacious 
udder, and longer and thicker teats, than the largest 
animal we know of: It has likewise four teats, whilst 
all other animals of the same nature have but two: It 
also yields the milk freely to the hand, whilst most ani- 
mals, at least those who do not ruminate in the same 
manner, refuse it, except their own young, or some 
adopted animal, be allowed to partake. 

The Cow, having four teats, is a striking peculiarity; 
the number in all other animals bearing some propor- 
tion to the number of young ones they bring forth at a 
time ; as in the Bitch, the Cat, the Sow, &c. 

The Cow will yield her milk as freely, and will conti- 
nue to give it as long, without the aid of the calf, as if 
it were permitted to suck her constantly. This is not 
the case with the Ass; which, it is v/ell known, will 
soon grow dry, if her foal be not permitted to suck part 
of her milk every day. 

Upon the whole, it appears, that the property of yield- 
ing milk, without the young one, is confined to those 
kinds of ruminating horned animals which have cloven 
hoofs, four stomachs, long intestines, are furnished with 
suet, and have no fore teeth in the upper jaw; that 
Cows, Sheep, Goats, and Deer, are of this kind, and no 
other; and that the Cow has this property in <?. more 
eminent degree than others, owing to the capaciousness 
of her udder, and the size and form ot her teats. 

The Cow goes nine months with young, and seldom 
produces more than one at a time. 



2S HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

It is a curious fact, that when a Cow happens to 
bring forth two calves, — one of them a male, the other 
a female, — the former is a perfect animal, but the latter 
is incapable of propagation, and is well known to farm- 
ers under the denomination of a Fi^ee Martin. It re- 
sembles the Ox, or spayed Heifer, in figure; and is 
considerably larger than the Cow. It is sometimes pre- 
served by the farmer, for the purpose of yoking with the 
Oxen, or fattening for the table. — Mr. Hunter observes, 
that the flesh of the Free Martin, like that of the Ox^ 
is much finer in the fibre than either the Bull or Cov/. 
It is supposed to exceed that of the Heifer in delicacy 
of flavour, and bears a higher price at market. 

By great industry and attention to their breed, and 
by judicious mixtures with those of others countries, 
our horned cattle are universally allowed to be the finest 
in Europe ; although such as are purely British are in- 
ferior in size to those on many parts of the continent. 




HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 



^9 




THE HOLSTEIM, OR DUTCH BREED, 

Has been introduced with great success^ and is r.ow 
the prevailing stock in all the counties on the eastern 
coast of this kingdom. — In good pastures, cattle of thi^i 
kind grow to a great size*; and the Cows yield a 
greater abundance of milk than those of almost any 
other kind. 



* An Ox, fed by Mr. Edward Hall, of Whiley in North umbj r- 
lanvl, and killed in March, 1789, when seven ye.irs old, nie.usured, 
from the head to the runin, nine feet eight inches iind an halfj 



so 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




THE IMPROVED EOLSTEIK, OR 
DUCTH BREED. 

The rapid improvements which have taken place in 
this and other kinds, form an interesting subject of en- 
quiry, of w^hieh the hmits of our work will not allow us 

the height, at the shoulder, was five feet ten inches; and it weigh- 
ed, without (he oft'il, one hundred and eighty-seven stone five 
poundi-— fourteen pounds to the stone. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 31 

to give the outlines. We shall however notice the ge- 
neral principles which have been laid down, and stead- 
ily adhered to, in the improvement of the several breeds 
of cattle j and which have been so successfully broup-ht 
into practice. The first, and most obvious, is beauty 
of form, — a principle which has been in common appli- 
ed to every species of domestic cattle; and, with great 
seeming propriety, was supposed to form the basis of 
every kind of improvement ; under an idea, that beauty 
of form and utility were inseparable. But at present, 
a distinction is made, by men who have been long con- 
versant in practice, between a useful sort and a sort that 
is merely handsome. Utility of form is therefore the 
next general principle, and may be considered as arising 
from a larger proportion of those parts which are the 
most useful: Thus, for instance, all those parts which 
are deemed offal, or which bear an inferior price, should 
be small in proportion to the better parts. A third 
principle of improvement, laid down by breeders, con- 
sists in the fineness of the muscular parts, or what is 
ti^rmtdjksk. But the great object which engrosses the 
attention of breeders at present is the fattening qualiti/, 
or a natural propensity in cattle to arrive at a state of 
fatness at an early age, and in a short space of time . 
And it appears, from observation, that beauty and uti- 
lity of form, the quality of the flesh, and its propensity 
to fatness, are principles consistent with each other, are 
frequently found united in the same individual, and he- 
reditary in particular lines or families of cattle. — In re- 
gard to the means of improvement, it has long been an 
established maxim, that, to improve the breed, it is ne- 
cessary to cross it with others of an ahcn stock, under 



53 HISTORY OF gUADRUPEDS, 

an opinion, that continuing to breed from the same line, 
weakens the stock. This idea, however rooted it may 
have been in the minds of former practitioners, is now 
entirely set aside by the modern practiceof breeding, not 
from the same hne only, but from the same family : The 
sire and the daughter, the son and the mother, the bro- 
ther and sister, are now permitted to improve their own 
kind. This practice is well known under the term of 
breeding, in-and-in; and, in this way, the improvement 
of the several breeds has advanced rapidly to a height 
unknown before in any age or nation. 

The practice of letting out Bulls by the season has 
contributed very materially towards the improvement 
of this valuable breed ; as, by this means, one Bull, in- 
stead of being useful to his proprietor only, may, in a 
few years, extend the benefits of his stock through a 
whole district; and so fully are the stock-masters con- 
vinced of its advantages, that eighty guineas have been 
given for the use of a Bull for one season. Some Bulls 
are in such estimation, as to leap at the extraordinary 
price of five guineas a Cow: And it is, perhaps, a cir- 
cumstance worth mentioning, that Mr. Fowler, of Roll- 
right, in Oxfordshire, in 1789, for ten Bull calves, refus- 
ed ^WQ hundred guineas.* 

* This valuable stock was sold off in March, 1791, at the fol- 
lowing enormous prices, viz. 

Garrick, a five-year old bull, 205 guineas. 

Sultan, two years old, 210 

M-^ashington, two years old, 20^ 

Young Suitan, a yearling bull, 200 

Two yearling bulls, 249' 

Brindled Beauty, a cow, 260 

Vv^ashington's mother, in calf 185 

Some of the rams sold as hish as 60 



HISTORY OF gUADRUPEDS. 



S3 




THE LOMG HORJVED, OR LANCA- 
SHIRE BREED, 

Is common in Lancashire/ Westmorland, and Cumber- 
land, and some of the neighbouring counties; and, not- 
withstanding the changes which have taken place by 
the introduction of foreign kinds, there is reason to be- 
lieve that this, for a considerable time at least, has beea 
the prevailing stock of the kiogdom at larpe. 

Mr. Marshall, in his excellent treatise on the « (Eco- 
nomy of the Midland Counties,** observes, that, from tl>is 
kind the present improved breed of cattle in Leicester- 
shire is traceable, by the most indisputable evidence 
From Bulls brought out of Westmorland and Lanca- 
shire, and Cows from the banks of the IVent, the celebra- 
ted Canleij breed.AhQ property of Mr. V/ebe.ter, derived 
its origin; and about fifty years ago it was esteemed the 

C 



34 HISTORY OF (QUADRUPEDS. 

inost valuable at that time in the kingdom. From thh 
breed, the late Mr. Bakewell obtained the source of his 
superior stock of cattle: and several other eminent 
breeders are also indebted to the same origin for the ce- 
lebrity they have since attained. 

Great improvements have of late years been made in 
the old Lancashire kindy both in size and beauty. Cra- 
ven, in Yorkshire, has long been celebrated for a supe- 
rior variety ot the long-horned kind: And from thence 
the graziers of Westmorland and Lancashire purchased 
the flower* of their Heifers; which, by crossing w^iih 
the original stock of those counties, have produced a 
breed, which is now had recourse to, for the improve- 
ment of this kind of cattle, in every part of the kingdom. 
- — Some of the Buiis are extremely large. Their norns 
are not iorjg, but beautifully turned; their hair short 
and smooth; their crests rise extremely high; their chests 
are let down to their knees; their bodies are long, and 
in the torm or a perfect cylinder. 




HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 







rU£ LANCASHIRE OX. 



The Cows and Oxen are smaller. Their horiis are 
long and small, very smooth ; and their colour, in ge- 
neral, approaches to yellow: their hair is beautifully 
curled , and their whole form extremely handsome — 
The Oxen frequently grow to a considerable size, are 
very active, and consequently useful in the draught. 
They are well suited to a cold climate, and grow fat 
on different pastures. 

In Scotland there are two kinds, which dilTer greatly 
from each other, as well as from all those in the south- 
ern parts of this island. 

Those of the county of Galloway are without horns, 
and generally of a reddish-brown colour, mixed v/itli 
black. Large droves of these are yearly brA^ught into 
the southern parts of this kingdom, where they soon 
greatly improve. 



30 



i'ilSTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




THE KTLOE OX. 

The Tllgbland cattle, and those bred in the Western 
Islands, are very small, and partake much of the wild- 
ness of the country in which they are bred. They are 
nnostly black, with fine white horns, very sharp, and 
black at the points ; their hair is thick and furry. 
Great numbers of these are likewise sold into England 
at the great northern fairs. They are greatly esteem- 
ed for the fineness and sweetness of their beef, as well 
as for the facility v^ith which they acquire a considera- 
ble degree of fatness, even with moderate feeding. 

Although the oxen of this breed, when fed in the or- 
dinary way, do not exceed forty stone the four quarters, 
one ot them, fed by Mr. Spearman of Rothley Park, in 
Northumberland, weighed, when killed in 1790, at the 
age of six years, eighty-one stone. 

In Great Britain the Ox is the only horned animal 
that will apply his streng?li to the service of mankind ; 
and, in general, is more profitable than the Horse for 



HISTORY OF OUADRUPEDS. 



S7 



the plough or the draught. There is scarcely any part of 
this animal without its use : The skin is made into va- 
rious kinds of leather; the hair is mixed with lime for 
plaistering; the bones are made use of as a substitute for 
ivory, and, being calcined, are used by the refiner as an 
absorbent to carry off the baser metals in refining silver. 
Sec: combs, and many other articles are made of the 
horns; we are supplied with candles from the tallow; 
and from the feet is procured an oil, of great use in pre- 
paring and softening leather ; besides the well-known 
benefits derived from butter, milk, and cheese; its 
blood, gall, liver, and urine, have their respective uses 
in manufactures and medicine. 







:^^ =^ ^ 



C3 



38 



HISTORY OF (QUADRUPEDS. 





WILD CATTLE. 



There was formerly a very singular species of wild 
cattle ill this country, which is now nearly extinct. 
Numerous herds of them were kept in several parks in 
England and Scotland ; but they have been destroyed 
by various means : And the only breeds now remaining 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPED.^. 59 

in the kingdom, are in the park at Chllllngham-castle, 
in Northun^berland ; at Wollaton, in Nottinghamshire, 
the seat of Lord Middleton ; at Gisburne, in Craven, 
Yorkshire ; at Lime-hall, in Cheshire ; and at Chartley, 
in Staffordshire. 

The principal external appeances which distinguish 
this breed of cattle from all others, are the follow- 
ing : — Their colour is invariably white ; muzzles black ; 
the whole of the inside of the ear, and about one-third 
of the outside, from the tip downwards, red* ^ horns 
white, with black tips, very fine, and bent upwards : 
Some of the Bulls have a thin upright mane, about an 
inch and an half, or two inches long. 

At the first appearance of any person they set off in 
full gallop, and, at the distance of two or three hun- 
dred yards, make a wheel round, and come boldly up 
again, tossing their heads in a menacing manner : On 
a sudden they make a full stop, at the distance of forty 
or fifty yards, looking wildly at the object of their sur- 
prise ; but, upon the least motion being made, they all 
again turn round, and fiy off with equal speed, but not 
to the same distance : Forming a shorter circle, and 
again returning with a bolder and more threatening as- 
pect than before, they approach much nearer, probably 

* About twenty years since, there were a few, at Cliillingham, 
with BLACK EARS, but the present park-keeper destroyed them; 
—since which period there has not been one with black ears. — 
The ears and nnses of all tiiose at WolhUon are black. — At Gis- 
burne there are some perfectly white, except the inside of their 
ears, which are brown. They are without horns, very strong- 
boned, but not high. They are said to have been originally 
brought from Whalley-abbey, in Lancashire, upon its dissolution 
in the thirty-third of Henry the Eighth. Tradition says, they 
were drawn to Gisburne by the * power of music' 

C4 



40 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

within thirty yards ; when they make another stand, 
and again fly off: This they do several times, shorten- 
ing their distance and advancing nearer, till they come 
within ten yards; when most people think it prudent 
to leave them, not chusing to provoke them further; 
for there is little doubt but in tv\^o or three turns 
they would make an attack. 

The mode of killing them was, perhaps, the only 
modern remains of the grandeur of ancient hunting. 
On notice beingr aiven that a wild Bull would be killed 
on a certain day, the inhabitants of the neighbourhood 
came mounted, and armed with guns, &c. sometimes 
to the amount of^n hundred horse, and four or five 
hundred foot who stood upon walls, or got into trees, 
while the horsemem rode off the Bull from the rest of 
the herd, until he stood at bay ; when a marksman dis- 
mounted and shot. At some of these huntings twenty 
or thirty shots has been fired before he was subdued. 
On such occasions the bleeding victim grew desperately 
furious from the smarting of his wounds, and the shouts 
of savage joy that were echoing from every side : But, 
from the number of accidents that happened, this dan- 
gerous mode has been little practised of late years; 
the park-keeper alone generally shooting them with a 
rifle gun, at one shot. 

When the Cows calve, they hide their calves for a 
w^eek or ten days in some sequestered situation, and go 
and suckle them two or three times a-day. If any per- 
son come near the calves, they clap their heads close to 
the ground, and lie like a hare in form, to hide them- 
selves : This is a proof of their native wildness, and is 
corroborated by the following circumstance that hap- 
pened to the writer of this narrative, who found a hid- 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 41 

*len calf two days old, very lean and very weak: — On 
stroking its head, it got up, pav/ed two or three times 
like an old Bull, bellowed very loud, stepped back a 
few steps, and bolted at his legs with ail its force; it then 
began to paw again, bellowed, stepped back, and bol- 
ted as before ; but knowing its intention, and stepping 
aside, it missed him, fell, and was so very weak that it 
could not rise, though it made several efforts; But it 
had done enough ; the whole herd were alarmed, and 
coming to its rescue, obliged him to retire; for the 
dams will allow no person to touch their calves, without 
attacking them with impetuous ferocity.* 

When any one happens to be wounded, or is grown 
weak or feeble through age or sickness, the rest of the 
herd set upon it, and gore it to death. 

The weight of the Oxen is generally from forty to 
fifty stone the four quarters; the Cows about thirty. 
The beef is finely marbled, and of excellent flavour. 

Those at Burton-Constable, in the county of York, 
were all destroyed by a distemper a few years since. 
They varied slightly from those at Chillingham, having 
black ears and muzzles, and the tips of their tails of the 
same colour: They were also much larger, many of 
them weighing sixty stone ; probably owing to the 
richness of the pasture in Holderness, but generally at- 
tributed to the difference of kind between those wnth 
black and red ears, the former of which they studiously 
endeavoured to preserve. The breed which was at 
Drumlanrig, in Scotland, had also black ears. 

* Tame Cows, in season, are frequently turned out amongst the 
Wild Cattle at Chillingham, and admit the Bull. It is somewhat 
extraordinary, that the calves produced by this means are invaria- 
bly of the same colour with the wihi breed, (white, with red ear«) 
and retain a good deal of the fierceness of their sire. 



42 



^ HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 





^^fer«s. 


%t 




,e^f 






. '',-.'-'1:%^' 



^'. 





THE Ui^US, OR JVILD BULL, 

Is chiefly to be met with in the extensive forests of Li- 
thuania. It grows to a size almost equal to the Elephant, 
and is quite black; the eyes are red and fiery, the horns 
thick and short, and the forehead covered with a quan- 
tity of curled hair ; the neck is short and strong, and 
the skin has an odour of musk. The female, though not 
so big as the male, exceeds the largest of our bulls in 
size: Nevertheless, her udder is extremely small. Up- 
on the whole, however, this animal, which greatly re- 
sembles those of the tame kind, probably owes its va- 
riety to its natural wildness, and the richness of the 
pastures where it is produced. 




HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



4S 







THE BISOM, 

[Bos Bison, Lin. — Le Bison, Ameriqiie, Buff.) 

Differs from the rest of the Ox kind, in having a 
large lump between its shoulders, almost as high as that 
of a camel. He has a long shaggy mane, which forms 
a kind of beard under his chin ; his eyes are fierce, his 
forehead large, and his horns extremely wide. It is 
dangerous to pursue hiui, except in forests abounding 
with trees large enough to conceal the hunters. He is 
generally taken in pits covered with branches of trees 
and grass, on the opposite of which the hunters tempt 
the animal to pursue ; and the enraged creature run- 
ning towards them, falls into the trap prepared for it, 
and is tlien overpowered and slain. 

The Bison, or the animal with the hump, is found 
in all the southern parts of the world, though greatly 
diffcrins: from each other in size and form. 



44 HISTORY OF OUADRUPEDS. 




THE ZEBU. 

They, are all equally docile and gentle, when tam- 
ed ; and are in general covered with fine glossy hair, 
softer and more beautiful than that of the common 
Cow. — Their humps are of different sizes, in some 
weighing from forty to fifty pounds, but in others less. 
That part is in general considered as a great delicacy ; 
and, when dressed, has much the appearance and taste 
of udder. 

The Bisons of Madagascar and Malabar are of the 
great kind; those of Arabia Petrea, and most parts of 
Africa, are of the Zebu or small kind. 

In America, especially towards the North, the Bison 
is well known. They herd together, in droves of from 
one to two hundred, on the banks ot the Missisippi ; 
where the inhabitants hunt them j— -their flesh is esteem- 
ed good eating. 

They all breed with the tame Cow. The hump, 
which is only an accidental characteristic, gradually de- 
clines; and, in a few generations, no vestiges of it rc< 



HISTORY OF 2^'ADRUPED3, 45 

mam.— Thus we see, whether it be the wild or the 
tame Ox, the Bonasus or the Urus, the Bison or the 
Zebu, by whatever name they are distinguished, or 
however variously classed by naturalists, in reality they 
are the same ; and though diversified in their appear- 
ance and properties, are descendants of one common- 
stock ; of which the most unequivocal proof is, that 
they ail mix and breed with each other. 

The Oxen of India are of different sizes, and are made 
use of in travelling, as substitutes for Horses. Instead, 
©f a bitj a small cord is passed through the cartilage of 
the nostrils, which is tied to a larger cord, and serves 
as a bridle. They are saddled like Horses j and, when 
pushed, move very briskly. They are likewise used in 
drawing chariots and carts. For the former purpose, 
white Oxen are in great esteem, and much admired. 
They will perform journies of sixty days, at the rate of 
from twelve to fifteen leagues a day; and their travel- 
ling pace is generally a trot. 

In Persia, there are many Oxen entirely white, with 
small blunt horns, and humps on their backs. They 
arc very strong and carry heavy burdiens. When about 
to be loaded, they drop down on their knees like the 
Camel, and rise when their burthens are properly fas- 
tened. 




4G HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

THE GRUJVTIMG OX, 

(Bos GrunnienSy Lin. — La Vache de Tartaric, Buff.) 

The Sarluc, or Gruiiting-Cow of Tartary, from its 
resemblance to the Bison, may be considered as belong- 
ing to the same species: Its horns are short, upright, 
slender, and very sharp ; the hair on its body is black, 
except the mane and ridge of the back, where it is 
white ; its whole body is covered with very long hair, 
which hangs down below its knees, and makes its 
legs appear shorty it has a hump on it's back; its tail 
resembles that of a horse, is white, and very bushy ; it 
strikes with its head like a goat, and is very unruly ; its 
distinguishing peculiarity is, that it makes a grunting 
noise like a hog, instead of lowing like the Ox, which 
in every other instance it greatly resembles. It abounds 
in the kingdom of Thibet, where it is domesticated. 

The wild breed, called Bucha. is extremely fierce. 
When wounded, it will sometimes turn upon its assail- 
ant and attack him with great fury. It copulates with 
the tame Cow. Their produce is employed in domestic 
purposes. 

Its tail is very valuable, and is sold at a great price 
in Thibet. When mounted on a silver handle, it is used 
by the principal men in India, as a brush to chase away 
the flies. It is sometimes fastened, as an ornament, to 
the ear of the Elephant. — The Chinese dye the hair red, 
and form it into tuffs to adorn their bonnets. 



HISTORY OF OUADPxUPEDS. 



47 







THE BUFFALO. 
(Bos Biibalus, Un.—Le Buffle, Buff.) 

There is the most striking general resemblance be- 
tween the Baffalo and the common Ox ; their habits 
and propensities are nearly similar ; they are both 
equally submissive to the yoke, and may be emplo\ed 
in the same domestic services ; yet it is certain, from 
experience, that no two animals can, in realitv, be 
more distinct : The Cow refuses to breed with the 
Buffalo, while it is known to propagate with the Bison, 
to which it bears, in point of form, a much more distant 
similitude. 

llie buffalo is found, in a wild state, in many parts 
of Africa and India, and is common ii^ the co'intriei 
near the Cape of Good Hope, where lie is describotl, 
by Sparrman, as a fierce, cruel, and treacherous aniuial. 
He freciuently rushes from behind a thicket upon svnne 
unwarv passenger ; and, h^ivinj^ diroNvn him down, 
tram[)les him to death wiin hi:> i vet \v:.d knees, t<^arini; 
him wiili his hiorns and teeth, ar.d lickir.^^ liim with his 



48 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

rough tongue, till the skin is nearly stripped from the 
body.— -The following accurate description we owe to 
the same author : the length of the Buifalo, from head 
to tail, is eight feet ; the height five and a half; and the 
fore legs two feet and a half long: From the tip of the 
muzzle to the horns, twenty-two inches : His limbs in 
proportion to his size, are much stouter than those of 
the Ox ; his fetlocks likewise hang nearer the ground : 
The horns are singular, both in their form and position ; 
the bases of them are thirteen inches broad, and only 
an inch distant from each other, having a narrow chan- 
nel or furrow between them -, from this furrow the 
horns assume a spherical form, extending over a great 
part of the head ; the distance between the points is 
often above five feet : The ears are a foot long, some- 
what pendulous, and in a great measure covered and 
defended by the lower edges of the horns, which bend 
dowm on each side, and ^orm a curve upwards with the 
points : The hair is of a dark brown colour, about an 
inch long, harsh, and, upon those males that are advan- 
ced in years, straggling and thin, especially on each side 
of the belly, which gives them the appearance of 
being girt with a belt : The tail is short, and tufted at 
the end: the eyes are laro:e, and somev^^hat sunk with- 
in their prominent orbits, which are almost covered 
with the bases of the horns overhanging its dangling 
ears, this, with a peculiar inclination of the head to one 
side, produces an aspect at once fierce, cunning, and 
tremendous : The flesh is coarse, rather lean, but full 
of juice of a high but not unpleasant flavour: The hide 
is thick and tough, and of great use in making thongs 
and harness -, it is so hard, as not to be penetrated by a 
common musket-ball; those made use of for shooting 



HISTORY OF gUADRUPEDS. 49 

the Buffalo are mixed with tin ; and even these are 
frequently flattened by the concussion. 

In Italy the Buffalo is domesticated, and constitutes 
the riches and food of the poor, who employ them for 
the purposes of agriculture, and make butter and cheese 
from their milk. 

The female produces but one at a time, and conti- 
nues pregnant twelve months ; another striking charac- 
teristic difference between the Buffalo and the common 
Cow. 

THE^MUSK BULL 

Inhabits the interior parts of North-America, on the 
west side of Hudson's Bay, between Ghurcbill and 
Seal rivers. They are very numerous in those parts, and 
live in herds of twenty or thirty. The Indians eat the 
flesh and make coverings of their skins. They are 
brought down in sledges, to supply the forts during the 
winter. Notwithstanding the flesh is said to have a 
strong flavour of musk, it is reckoned very good and 
wholesome. 

The Musk-Ball is somewhat lower than a Deer, but 
more bulky. Its legs are short ; and it has a small 
hump on its shoulder : Its hair is of a dusky-red colour, 
very fine, and so long, as to reach to the ground : Be- 
neath the hair, its body is covered with wool of an ash 
colour which is exquisitely fine, and might be convert- 
ed into various articles of useful manufacture. — Mr Je- 
remie says, that stockings made of it are finer than 
silk : Its tail is only three inches long, and is covered 
with long hair, of which the Esquimaux Indians make 
caps, which are so contrived, that the long hair, falling 

D 



50 HISTORY OF gUADRUPEDS. 

round their faces, defends them from the bites of the 
musquilos : its horns are close at the base, they bend 
downwards, and turn out at the points ; they are two 
feet long, and two feet round at the base ; some of 
them will weigh sixty pounds. 

These animals delight chiefly in rocky and moun« 
taineous countries : They run nimbly, and are very ac^ 
titre in climbing steep ascents. 



THE SHEEP. 

{Ovis Aries y Lin. — La Brebisy Buff.) 

The Sheep, in its present domestic state, seems so 
far removed from a state of nature, that it may be 
deemed a difficult matter to point out its origin. Cli- 
mate, food, and, above all, the unwearied arts of culti- 
vation contribute to render this animal, in a peculiar 
manner, the creature of man ; to whom it is obliged to 
trust entirely for its protection, and to whose necessi- 
ties it largely contributes. Though singularly inoffen- 
sive, and harmless even to a proverb, it does not appear 
to be that stupid, inanimate creature described by Buf- 
fon, " devoid of every art of self-preservation, without 
courage, and even deprived of every instinctive faculty, 
we are led to conclude that the Sheep, of all other 
animals, is the most contemptible and stupid :" Bat 
amidst those numerous flocks which range without con- 
troul on extensive mountains, where they seldom depend 
upon the aid of the shepherd, it will be found to assume 



HISTORY OF gUADRUPEDS. 5 1 

5t very different character : In those situations, a Ram 
or a Wedder will boldly attack a single dog, and often 
come off victorious; but when the danger is more 
alarming, they have recourse to the collected strength 
of the whole flock. On such occasions they draw up 
into a compact body, placing the young and the fe- 
males in the centre ; while the males take the foremost 
ranks, keeping close by each other. Thus an armed 
front is presented to all quarters, and cannot easily be 
attacked without danger or destruction to the assailant. 
In this manner they wait with firmness the approach of 
the enemy ; nor does their courage fail them in the mo» 
ment of attack: For, when the aggressor advances 
within a few yards of the line, the Rams dart upon 
him with such impetuosity, as to lay him dead at their 
feet, unless he save himself by flight. Against the at- 
tacks of single Dogs or Foxes^ when in this situation 
they are perfectly secure. — A Ram, regardless of dan- 
ger, will sometimes engage a Bulls and, as his forehead 
is much harder than that of any other animal, he sel- 
dom fails to conquer: For the Bull, by lowering his 
head, receives the stroke of the Ram between his eyes, 
which usually brings him to the ground. 

In the selection of their food, few animals discover 
greater sagacity than the Sheep ; nor does any domestic 
animal shew more dexterity and cunning in its attempts 
to elude the vigilance of the sheplierd, in order to steal 
such delicacies as are agreeable to its palate. 

Besides its hardiness in enduring great severities of 
weather, the natural instinct of the Sheep, in foreseeing 
the approach of a storm, is no less remarkable : in their 

D 2 



52 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

endeavours to secure themselves under the shelter o>f 
some hill whole flocks have frequently been buried for 
many days under a covering of snow, and have after- 
wards been^ taken out without any material injury. 
Thus beautifully described by Thompson : — 



_« Oft the whlrldwind's wing 

" Sweeps up the burthen of whole wintry plains 
*' At one wide waft ; and o'er the hapless flocks, 
" Hid in the hollow of two neighbouring hiils, 
" The billowy tempest whelms." • 

There have been instances where Sheep, at the ap= 
proach of a storm^ have fled for shelter to a neighbour- 
ing cottage, and taken refuge under the same roof with 
their shepherd. 

The variety in this creature is so great, that scarcely 
any two countries, produce Sheep of the same kind :—- 
There is found a manifest difference in all, either in the 
size, the covering, the shape, or the horns. 

The ivoolly Sheep is found only in Europe, and in the 
temperate provinces of Asia. When transported into 
warmer climates, it loses its wool, and becomes hairy 
and rough; it is .likewise less fertile; and its flesh no 
longer retains the same flavour. v 

No country produces finer Sheep than Great-Britain ; 
Their fleeces are large, and well adapted to the various 
purposes of cloathing. The Spanish fleeces are indeed 
finer, but stand in no degree of comparison with those 
of Lincolnshire or Warwickshire for weight or utility. — - 
In Edward the Third's time, when wool was allowed 
to be exported, it brought 150,0001. per annum, at 
2l. 10s. a pack, which was a great sum in those days. 
At this time, when our woollen manufactory stands un- 
rivalled by any nation in the world, and every method 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 5 



h taken to prevent this valuable commodity from being 
sent out of the kingdom, the annual value of wool, 
shorn in England, is supposed to be about five millions 
sterling ; and, vv^hen manufactured conjointly with the 
Spanish wool imported, amounting to about six hundred 
thousand pounds, must be above twenty millions. 

Like other ruminating animals, the Sheep wants the 
upper fore teeth: It has eight in the lower jaw ^ two 
of which drop out, and are replaced at two years old ; 
four of them are renewed at three years, and the re- 
mainder at the age of four. 

The ewe produces one or two lambs at a time, and 
sometimes though rarely, three or four. She bears her 
young five months, and brings forth in the spring^. — 
The Ram lives to the age of about fifteen years, and 
begins to procreate at one. When castrated, they are 
called Wedders : They then grow fat sooner, and the 
flesh becomes finer and better flavoured. 

There is hardly any part of this animal that is not 
serviceable toman: Of the fleece we make our cloaths; 
the skin produces leather, of which are made gloves, 
parchment, and covers for books j the entrails are form- 
ed into strings for fiddles and other musical instruments, 
likewise coverings for whips; its milk affords both but- 
ter and cheese j and its flesh is a delicate and whole- 
some food. 

* An Ewe, of the small black-faced Scotch breed, produced 
two Ewe hunbs before she had completed her first year; and be- 
fore the end of the second yeai, these two produced each of them 
two Iambs also. It is a remarkable circumstance, that this great 
increase took place in the coldest and most mountainous part of 
Northumberland ; and it is further necessary to observe, that this 
breed of Sheep seldom produces more than one lamb at a time^ 
and that not till they are two years oi age. 



54 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 

The following remarks, taken from Mr. Culley's " Ob- 
servations on Live Stock," will not be unacceptable to 
many of our readers, as they convey a just idea of some 
of the most noted kinds of Sheep at this time in the 
island. — He begins with those of Lincolnshire, which are 
of a large size, big-boned, and afford a greater quantity of 
wool than any other kind, owing to the rich, fat marshes 
on which they feed; but their flesh is coarse, leaner, and 
not so finely flavoured as that of smaller Sheep. The 
same breed extends, with some variations, through most 
of the midland counties of England. — The Dorsetshire 
breed is likewise remarkably prolific, the Ewes being 
capable of bringing forth twice a year. It is from these 
that the tables of our nobility and gentry are supplied 
with early Iamb at Christmas, or sooner, if required. — - 
Great numbers of those early victims to luxury are 
yearly sent to the London Markets, where they are sold 
at the enormous price of 10s. 6d. or perhaps 15s. per 
quarter. — ^The manner of rearing the lambs is curious: 
They are imprisoned in little dark cabins; the Ewes 
are fed with oil-cakesj hay, corn, turnips, cabbages, or 
any other food which the season of the year affords; 
these are given them in a field contiguous to the apart- 
ments where the lambs are kept ; and, at proper inter- 
vals, the nurses are brought in to give suck to their 
young ones; while the attendants, at the same time, 
make their lodgings perfectly clean, and litter them 
with fresh straw. Great attention is paid to this, as 
much of the success of rearing these unseasonable pro- 
ductions depends upon warmth and cleanliness. 

The Dorsetshire Sheep are mostly white-faced; their 
legs are long and small; and great numbers of them have 



HISTORY OF OUADRUPEDS'. ^5 

no wool upon their bellies, which gives them an un- 
couth appearance. They produce a small quantity of 
wool, but of a good quality; from which our fine Wilt- 
shire cloths are made. The mutton of these sheep is 
very sweet and well flavoured.— The variations of this 
breed are spread through most of the southern coun- 
ties ; but the true kind is only to be found in Dorset- 
shire and Wiltshire.-— There is a breed, not unlike this 
in Norfolk and Suffolk ^ but they are all gray or black- 
faced. , 

The South Down Sheep are of the same hardy nature 
as the Cheviot breed, and, like them, can live and 
thrive on the barest heaths j their wool is also line, and 
mutton well flavoured. 

The sheep in the low parts of Northumberland are 
of a mixed breed, between the long kind, the Tees wa- 
ter, and the Lincolnshire. The Mug or Muff kind was 
formerly common in that county. They were so call- 
ed, from their wool growing round their heads into their 
very eyes, so as almost to prevent them from seeing. 
This breed is now nearly exploded, being considered, 
by every breeder of experience, as unprofitable, from 
their thriving slowly and being very tender. 

In the northern districts of Scotland, and in manyof 
the islands, there is a breed of Sheep, which differs 
from the others in the smallness of their size, many of 
them, when fed, weighing no more than six, seven, or 
eight pounds per quarter. They have dun faces^ with- 
out horns; and their wool, v^hich is very fine, is vari- 
ously mixed, and streaked with black, brown, and red. 



D 4 



5^ 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS- 




THE BLACK-FACED OR HEATH RAM, 

The north-west part of Yorkshire, with all that 
mountainous tract of country running toward Lanca- 
shire south ward, and to Fort^ William northward, is occu- 
pied by a hardy, black-faced, wild-looking tribe, gene- 
rally called short Sheep, which differ from our other 
breeds, not only in the darkness of their complection 
and horns, but principally in the coarse shaggy wool 
which they produce. Their eyes have a fiery, sharp^ 
and wild cast. They run with great agility, and seem 
quite adapted to the heathy mountains they inhabit. 
Their flesh is peculiarly fine and high flavoured. The 
three great fairs for these Sheep (where amazing num- 
bers of them are sold every year) are, Stagshaw-bank, 
in Northumberland; Brough, in Westmorland; and 
Linton, in Scotland. There is likewise a breed of 
Sheep inhabiting the same country as the former; but 
peculiarly distinguished from them by long, thin bodies, 
white legs, white faces, and by having no horns. Their 
wool is fine, and thickly planted. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



57 




HEATH RAM OF THE IMPROVED 
BREED. 

The ram from which we took this drawing, in July, 
1798, belongs to the Bishop of Durham. It obtained 
the premium given for the best Tup, shewn for that 
purpose, at Blanchland, in the couniy of Durham, in 
1797. Exclusive of the symmetry of proportions and 
beauty of its form, a more important object has been 
obtained in the quality of the wool. They are also as 
hardy as the unimproved breed, and can equally endure 
the severity of the cold and wet to which they are ex- 
posed on the bleak heaths which they are doomed to 
inhabit. 



$B 



HISTORY OF gUABRUPEDS, 




■ , — /• 



THE CHEVIOT RAM. 

The Cheviot breed have a fine open countenance^ 
lively prominent eyes^ have no horns, and are mostly 
white taced and white legged; the body long, with 
fine, clean, small-boned legs: Weight of the carcase 
from 12 to 18 lb. per quarter; and the mutton is high* 
ly esteemed for its flavour. 

The best breeds of these Sheep are to be found in the 
north-west parts of the county of Northumberland, and 
on the range of hills adjoining them in Scotland, and 
are maintained (except Vv^hen prevented by snow) solely 
from the natural produce of the grounds on which they 
depasture, which, in general, are wery mountainous, and 
consist of ling, moss, hather, deer-hair, and v^ire-bent, 
with a mixture of green sward.- — We can find no account 
from whence this valuable breed originally sprung, 
which, as mountain Sheep, are unrivalled, as well on 
account of their carcases and hardiness, as from the su- 



HISTORY OF OUADRUPEDS, gQ 

perior value of their wool, which is in the highest esti« 
mation for cloathing, and sells from 2d. to 2^d. per 
pound higher than the best in the district. The great 
demand that has been made for this wool, added to the 
encouragement given by Sir John Sinclair, {who, for d(, 
few years, bought considerable numbers of these Sheep, 
which he took to the Highlands of Scotland, and now 
breeds them upon the same kind of heathy mountains 
as the original stock were taken from) caused an emu- 
lation among the breeders, which has been productive 
of considerable improvement in their stocks, both in 
the wool and fore quarter, in which they were general- 
ly deficient. But as improvements in stock can only 
be effected by slow gradations, and as this improved 
breed is but of a few years standing, it will probably 
be advantageous, not only to individuals but to the pub- 
lic at large, to encourage exertions which, if fortunate- 
ly successful, might place these Sheep upon a level 
with those produced upon well cultivated grounds, 
which might be otherwise more advantageously em- 
ployed for the use of the public. 

Thus the difficulty of producing an improved breed 
for heath pastures has, in a great measure, been remov- 
ed by the skill and attention of the Northumberland far- 
mers, to whom we think the community much indebt- 
ed ; and we doubt not that, in the course of a few years, 
this breed will become the parent stock of all the Sheep 
bred for grazing on heathy, and what are called waste, 
grounds. They thrive on the most sterile heaths, their 
wool is of the most desirable texture, they are easily fat- 
tened, and their whole conformation is so properly suit- 
ed to mountainous pasture, that we are surprised the 
breed has not already been more generally diffused. 



6o 



HISTOHY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




^^<^Jl .•el.v 



^'A...'^^h^ 




TEES-F/ATER OLD OR UNIMPROV- 
ED BREED, 

The largest breed of Sheep in this island is to be 
met with on the banks of the Tees, which runs through 
a rich and fertile country, dividing the two counties of 
Yorkshire and Durham. This kind differs from the 
Lincolnshire sheep, in their wool not being so long and 
heavy; their legs are longer, but finer boned, and sup- 
port a thicker, firmer carcase; their flesh is likewise 
much fatter, and finer grained. 

Our figure was taken in July, 1798, from a Ram 
which had been purchased for the purpose of shewing 
its uncouth and uncultivated appearance, in contrast t@ 
those of the improved kind. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



61 




TEES-WATER IMPROVED BREED, 



By persevering In the same laudable plan of improve- 
ment so successfully begun by the late Mr. Bakev^^ell, 
the stock-farmers or graziers of Tees-w^ater have produc- 
ed a kind which is looked upon by judges as nearly ap- 
proaching to perfection. Many of their Sheep possess 
the thriving or fattening quality of the Dishley breed, 
and are tit for the butcher at *as early an age. 

These Sheep weigh from twenty-five to forty-five 
pounds per quarter^ some have been fed to fifty 
pounds; and one in particular was killed, which weigh- 
ed sixty-two pounds ten ounces per quarter, avoirdu- 
pois ; a circumstance never before heard of in thli 
island. The Ewes of this breed generally bring fortti 
two lambs each season ; sometimes three, four, and 



0^ HISTORY OF e^ADRUPEDS. 

even five. As an instance of extraordinary fecundity^ 
it deserves to be mentioned, that one of these Ewes, at 
the age of tvi^o years, brought forth four lambs at one 
time^ the next season five^ both within eleven months. 




HISTORY OF (QUADRUPEDS* €3 




L BICESTER SHIR E IMPROVED 
BREED. 

To these %^arioiis and numerous tribes of this useful 
animal we must add, that, by the persevering industry 
and attention of Mr, Bakewell, of Dishly, in Leicester- 
shire, our breed of Sheep has been greatly improved; 
and he has been foilovi'-ed by many eminent breeders 
with nearly equal success. 

It seems to be generally agreed, that in Sheep, as 
well as in all other animals, there is a certain symme- 
try or proportion of parts, which is best adapted to the 
size of each particular animal: All those of each kind 
that exceed or fall short of this pitch, are more or less 
disproportloned, according to the size they attain; and 
in the degree they are advanced beyond this hue of per- 
fection, we find them less active, weaker, and always 
less able to endure hardship. Thus, by selecting the 
handsomest and best proportioned of their kinds, the 
judicious breeder has gradually arrived at a degree of 
perfection in improving this animal, unknown at an} 
former period. 



64f HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 

The superior qualities of the Leicestershire breed are^ 
that they will feed quickly fat at almost any age, even 
on indifferent pastures, and carry the greatest quantity 
of mutton upon the smallest bone. Their carcases are 
round, have remarkably broad backs, and short legs; 
and to shew the immense weight to w^hich they may be 
fed, we give the measurement of a Ram of Mr. Bake- 
well's, mentioned by Young in his *' Eastern Tour:'* 
— At three years old, his girt was five feet ten inches ; 
height, two feet five inches; breadth over his shoulders, 
one foot eleven inches and an half; breadth over his 
ribs, one foot ten inches and an half; breadth over his 
hips, one foot nine inches and an half. 

The great importance of this breed of Sheep will 
best be shewn, by stating the following facts respecting 
the modern practice of letting out Ram^s for hire by 
the season ; which, from very small beginnings, has al- 
ready risen to an astonishing height ; and is likely, for 
some time, to prove a copious source of wealth to the 
country at large. About forty years ago, Mr. Bakewell 
let out rams at sixteen and seventeen shillings a-piece ; 
and from that time, the prices kept gradually rising from 
one guinea to ten. But the most rapid increase has 
taken place since the year 1780. Four hundred gui- 
neas have been repeatedly given. Mr. Bakewell in 
the year 1789, made twelve hundred guineas by three 
Rams; two thousand of seven ; and, of his whole stocky 
three thousand guineas. Astonishing as this may ap- 
pear, it is nevertheless an undoubted fact. But it 
ought to be observed, that these great prices are not 
given by graziers, for the purpose of improving their 
grazing stock ; but by principal breeders, in order to 
procure a stock of Rams of the improved breed, which 



•HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 65 

they let out again to breeders of an inferior class. The 
prices given by graziers, for the sole purpose of getting 
grazing stock, seldom exceed ten guineas, which is 
considered as an extraordinary price, five or six guineas 
being most frequently given. 

This valuable breed has likewise found its way into 
Northumberland. Mess. Culley, of Fenton ; Mr. Thomp- 
son, of Liburn; and Mess. Donkin and Co. of Hex- 
ham-brewery, with great spirit, and at considerable ex- 
pence, have greatly improved tlieir respective breeds of 
Sheep, by an admission of the Dishley blood. 




E 



66 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




A WEBBER OF MR, CULLETs BREED. 



We are favoured, by Mr. Culley, with the following 
account of a Wedder of his breed, fed at Fenton in 
Northumberland, and killed at Alnwick in October, 
1787, when four years old: — His dimensions were as 
follow: — Girt, four feet eight inches and an half; breadth 
over his shoulders, one foot three inches ; over his mid- 
dle, one foot seven inches and a quarter; across the 
breast, from the inside of one fore leg to the inside of 
tha other, nine inches. At the dividing of the quarters 
through the ribs, it measured seven inches and one- 
eighth of solid fat, cut strait through without any slope; 
and his mutton was of the most beautiful bright colour. 
But in nothing was he so remarkable as in the small- 
ness of his bones. — The proprietor of this Sheep la- 
ments that he had not the offals exactly weighed (by 
offals, we would be understood to mean not only the 
tallow, but the head, pluck and pelt, with the blood 
and entrails) j beca.uie it is now well known, that this 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. ^7 

breed of Sheep have a greater quantity of mutton, in 
proportion to the ofFal, tlian any other kind we know of^ 
and is consequently cheaper to the consumer. 

[The drawing from which the preceding cut was ta- 
ken, was made by Mr. Bailey, of Chillingham, soon af- 
ter the Sheep had been Shorn.] 

Before we quit this article, we must take notice of a 
breed of Sheep which have hitherto been but little 
known or attended to; although, it is probable, they 
possess advantages of equal importance with those we 
have just mentioned; and, in all likelihood, they might 
have continued still longer in the same neglected state, 
but for the endeavours of a set of men, who, actuated 
by a truly patriotic zeal, are labouring to draw out the 
natural resources of their country, and secure, to the 
most distant and long-neglected parts of this kingdom, 
whose permanent advantages to which they are by their 
situation entitled. In pursuing these important objects, 
the Highland Societij of Scotland have discovered, that 
the Shetland islands, and some parts of the Highlands 
of Scotland, are in possession of a breed of Sheep, 
which produces wool infinitely superior to that of any 
other in the kingdom, and equal to Spanish wool in fine- 
ness and texture. — By order of the Society, specimens 
of these Sheep have been obtained, for the purpose of a 
fair investigation into the nature and quahty of their 
wool, which, upon examination, proves much hnerthaii 
was at first imagined. — We are favoured, by Dr. James 
Anderson, with the' following particulars : 

E ^ 



68 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

THE SHETLAND SHEEP, 

Art. handsome^ small, and in general hornless; and 
are peculiarly distinguished by the unusual shortness 
and STfiallness of their tails. They weigh, when fat, 
from eight to ten pounds per quarter. Their fleeces 
are, on an average, about two pounds weight. The wool, 
when properly dressed, is of a pure and glossy white: 
Some small specimens of it, compared with Vigognia 
wool, were allowed, by good judges, to be fully as fine; 
and, in softness, equal to that of which the Indian 
shawls are made. The Sheep producing this fine wool 
are said to be of the hardiest nature ; They are never 
housed, and, in the winter season, are often so pinched 
for food, that they are obliged to feed upon the sea- 
ware driven upon the shore. Besides the wool with 
which they are covered, they have long hairs growing 
amongst it, which serve to shelter it. 

It is a singular circumstance, that the Shetland Sheep 
are never shorn; but, about the beginning of June, the 
wool is pulled off, without the smallest pain or injury 
to the animal, leaving the long hairs already mentioned, 
which contribute to keep the creature warm and com- 
fortable, at a season of the year when cold and piercing 
winds mav be expected, in so northern a latitude. 

From the spirited measures which are now taking to 
preserve this valuable breed*, we are led to hope, that 
British wool may in time regain that great superiority 

* See the Report of the Coniinittee of the Highland Society, 
on the subject of wool. 1789. 



HISTORY GF QUADRITPEDS. 



69 



for which it was once so famous ; and that, by perse- 
verance and attention to this important object, we may 
in time be enabled to produce not only as fine wool as 
can be obtained from any other country, but may also, 
in the same breed, be able to conjoin with it every 
other desirable peculiarity, — -such as closeness of fleece, 
beauty and utility of form, hardii.css, a capability of be- 
ing easily fattened, largeness of size, and other valuable 
qualities, adapted to every peculiarity of situation in 
these islands. 




E 3 



70 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




THE nUJfKT, OR DWARF SHEEP. 

Another variety of the Sheep kind, deserves to be no- 
ticed for the singular and grotesque formation of its fea- 
tures. The wool, growing round its head, forms a kind 
of hood or rufF, before which stand its short erect ears : 
The uncommon protrusion of its under jaw considera- 
bly before the upper, by which the fore teeth are left 
exposed, and the shortness of the nose, which lies un» 
der its high-projecting forehead, altogether give it the 
appearance of deformity, and make a striking contrast 
to most animals of the Sheep kind.- — A Ram, from 
"whicli the drawing was made, came from abroad, with 
two Ewes, as a present to a gentleman in the county of 
Northumberland. They are very small, and have no 
horns. — In Lincolnshire there is a small kind, mention- 
ed, by Mr. Culley, under the name oi Dunkies ; which 
we suppose to be the same with this. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 







THE TARTARIAJf SHEEP. 



The Sheep, of which the annexed cut is an accurate 
representation, seem to be the same with those describ- 
ed by Mr. Pennant, under the name of the fat-mmped 
Sheep. A pair of them was brought to this country, by 
way of Russia, from the borders of Tartary. They are 
rather larger than the English Sheep. The colour of 
the male is roan, or light brown mixed with white ^ 
that of the female, black and white : Their ears are pen- 
dulous; and, instead of a tail, they have a large protu- 
berance of fat behind, which covers the rump. AVhen 
the drawing was made, they had just been shorn; at 
other times, the wool is so long and thick, that their 
form cannot well be distinguished. 

The African or Gidnea iShcep are found in most of 
the tropical climates. They are large, strong, and 
swift; with coarse hairy fleeces, short horns» pendulous 
ears; have a kind of dew-lap under the chin; and, 
though domesticated, seem to approach nearest to a 
state of nature. 



7® 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




THE MAMT'BORMEB SHEEP. 

The Iceland Sheep, as well as those of Muscovy and 
the coldest climates of the north, resemble our own in 
the form of the body, but differ in the number of their 
horns, having generally four, and sometimes eight, 
growing from the forehead. Their wool is long, smooth 
and hairy: They are of a dark-brown colour; and, un- 
der the outward coat of hair, which drops off at stated 
periods, there is an internal covering resembling fur, 
which is fine, short, and soft: The quantity produced 
by each Sheep is about four pounds. 

The broad-tailed Sheep, common in Persia, Barbary, 
Syria, and Egypt, are remarkable chiefly for their large 
and heavy tails, which grow a foot broad, and so long, 
that the shepherds are obliged to put boards with small 
wheels under them, to keep them from galling. The 
flesh of these tails is esteemed a great delicacy: It is 
of a substance between fat and iparrow, and eaten witl> 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 73 

the lean of the mutton : They generally weigh from 
twenty to fifty pounds each. 

I'he skeep bred on the mountains of Thibet produce 
wool of extraordinary length and fineness, of which is 
made the Indian shawl, frequently sold iq this country 
for fifty pounds or upwards, 




THE WALLACHIAM SHEEP. 

fOvis Strepskeros, Lin. — La Chcvre ck Cj-etc, Buff.^ 

In Wallachia, they have Sheep with curious spiral 
horns, standing upright, in the ftyrni of a screw ; long 
shaggy fleeces ; and, in size and form, nearly resem- 
bling ours. They are also found in the island of Crete, 
and in many of the islands of the Archipelago. — This is 
jsaid to be the Strcpskherps of the ancients. 



74* HISTORY Ol^ OUADRUPEDiS. 




THE MOUFLOJf, OR MUSMON, 

(Capra AvimoUy Lin. — Le Moiiflon, BufF.^ 

Has been classed both with the Sheep and the Goat 
kind, and may be considered as standing in a middle 
place, and forming the link between each ; for it is 
curious to observe, that Nature, in all her variations, 
proceeds by slow and almost insensible degrees, scarce- 
ly drawing a firm and distinguishing line between any 
two races of animals that are essentially different, and 
yet, in many respects, nearly allied to each other. 
In all transitions from one kind to the other, there is to 
be found a middle race, that seems to partake of the 
nature of both, and that can precisely be referred to 
neither. Thus it is hard to discover where the Sheep 
kind ends, or the Goat begins. — The Musmon, there- 
fore, which is neither Sheep nor Goat, has a strong 
affinity to both. Though covered with hair, it bears a 
strong similitude to the Ram : Its eyes are placed near 
the horns ; and its ears are shorter than those of the 
Goat: Its horns resemble those of the Ram, in being 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 75 

a yellow colour, and a triangular shape ; they like- 
wise bend backward behind the ears: In sorae they 
grow to an amazing size, and measure above two 
yards long. The general colour of the hair is reddish- 
brown ; the inside of the thighs and belly white, tinctur- 
ed with yellow ; the muzzle and inside of the ears are 
of a whitish colour ^ the other parts of the face are of 
a brownish-grey. 

The Musmon is found in the wild and uncultivated 
parts of Greece, Sardinia, Corsica, and ia the desarts 
of Tartary. 

The form of this animal is strong and muscular, and it 
runs with great agility. It is very timorous, and, when 
old is seldom taken alive. It frequents the highest sum- 
mits of the mountains, and treads securely on the most 
dangerous precipices. — The old Rams have often furi- 
ous battles with each other, in which one of the con- 
tending parties will sometimes be thrown down from the 
heights on which they stand, and dashed in pieces at 
the bottom. If their horns should by accident entangle, 
they have been known to fall and perish together. 

The chase of the Musmon is attended with great 
danger. At the sight of a man, they fly to the highest 
parts of the rocks, where th.?y cannot easily be follow- 
ed : They are sometimes taken in pit-falls. The Tar- 
tars pursue them with horses and dogs, and, surround- 
ing a pretty large tract of land, drive them towards the 
centre, where they are caught. 

The Kamschatkanspass the latter pnrt of the summer, 
with all their families, among the mountains, in pursuit 
©f these animals. — The flesh and fat of the young Mus- 
mons are esteemed by the natives, as most delicious 



76 HISTORY OF gUADRUPEDS. 

eating. The skins serve them for warm raiments and 
coverings : The horns are made use of for a variety of 
useful purposes. 

This creature has been known to breed with the 
Sheep 5 and from that circumstance, is supposed, by 
M. BufFon and others, to be the primitive race. 

The female of this species is rather less than the 
male ; and her horns never grow to that prodigious size'. 

Those of Kamschatka are so strong, that tcu men can 
scarcely hold one; and the horns are so large, that 
young foxes often shelter themselves in the hollow of 
such as fail off by accident. They grow to the size of 
a young stag, copulate in autumn, and bring forth oae 
young at a time, though sometinxes two. 



^ 







^j^ ^ ^ 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 



77 




THE COMMOJsr GOAT, 
(Capra HircuSy Lin. — Lt Banc, La Chevre, BuiTJ 

This lively, playful, and capricious creature occu- 
pies the next step in the great scale of Nature ; and, 
though inferior to the Sheep in value, in various instan- 
ces bears a strong affinity to that useful animal. The 
Goat and the Sheep will propagate together: The He- 
Goat copulates w^ith the Ewe, and the Ram with the 
She-Goat; the offspring likewise is prolilic. 

The Goat is much more hardy than the Sheep, and 
is, in every respect, more fitted for a life of Jibertv. 
It is not easily confined to a flock, but chuses its own 
pasture, straying wherever its appetite or inclination 
leads — It chieliy delights in w:kl and mountainous re- 
gions, climbing the loftiest rocks, and standing secure 
on the verge of inaccessible and dangerous precipices; 
although, as Ray observes, one would hardly suppose 



78 HISTORY O^ gUADRUPEDS. 

that their feet were adapted to such perilous achieve- 
ments; yet upon a nearer inspection, we find that Na- 
ture has provided them with hoofs well calculated for 
the purpose of climbing ; they are hollow underneath, 
with sharp edges, like the inside of a spoon, which 
prevent them from sliding off the rocky eminences they 
frequent. 

The Goat is an animal easily sustained, and is chiefly 
therefore the property of those v.'ho inhabit wild and un- 
cultivated regions, where it finds an ample supply of 
food from the spontaneous productions of Nature, in 
situations inaccessible to other creatures. It delights in 
the heathy mountain, or the shrubby rock, rather than 
the fields cultivated by human industry. Its favourite 
food are the tops of the boughs, or the tender bark of 
young trees. It bears a warm climate better than the 
Sheep, and frequently sleeps exposed to the hottest 
rays of the sun. 

The milk of the Goat is sweet, nourishing, and me- 
dicinal, and is found highly beneficial in consumptive 
cases : It is not so apt to curdle upon the stomach as 
that of the Cow. From the shrub and heath on which 
it feeds, the milk of the Goat acquires a flavour and 
wildness of taste very different from that of either the 
Sheep or the Cow, and is highly pleasing to such as 
have accustomed! themselves to its use : It is made into 
whey for those whose digestion is too weak to bear it in 
its primitive state. Several places in the north of En^^ 
gland and the mountainous parts of Scotland are much 
resorted to for the purpose of drinking the milk of the 
Goat; and its effects have been often salutary in vitia- 
ted and debilitated habits. 

In many parts of Ireland, and in the Highlands of 
Scotland, their Goats make the chief possessions of the 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 79 

inhabitants ; and, in most of the mountainous parts of 
JEurope, supply the natives with many of the necessa- 
ries of life : They lie upon beds made of their skins, 
which are soft, clean, and wholesome ; they live upon 
their milk, and oat bread; they convert part of it into 
butter, and some into cheese. The flesh of the kid is 
considered as a great rarity ; and, when properly prepar- 
ed, is esteemed by some as little inferior to venison. 

The Goat produces generally two young at a time, 
-sometimes three, rarely four : In warmer climates, it is 
more prolific, and produces four or five at once ; though 
the breed is found to degenerate. The male is capa- 
ble of propagating at one year old, and the female at 
seven months ; but the fruits of a generation so prema- 
ture are generally weak and defective : Their best time 
is at the age of two years, or eighteen months at least. 

The Goat is a short-lived animal, full of ardour, but 
soon enervated. His appetite for the female is exces- 
sive, so that one buck is sufficient for one hundred and 
iiftj females. 




8o 



HISTORY GF QUADRUPEDS, 




THE IBEX, 



(Capra Ibex, JJm.—Le Bouquetln, BufF.y^ 

If we believe M. Buffon, is the stock from whence our 
domestic Goat is descended; it is larger, but resembles 
it much in the shape of its body ; its horns are much lar- 
ger; they -ajQ bent backward, and are full of knobs: 
Every year the creature lives, it is asserted, one is added 
to the number of them. Some of these horns have been 
found at least two yards long. The head of the Ibex 
is small, adorned with a dusky beard; and has a thick 
coat of hair of a deep brown colour, mixed with ash : A 
streak of black runs along the top of its back : The belly 
and thighs are of a delicate fawn colour. — The female is 
one-third less than the male; her horns are very small, 
and not above eight inches long. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



St 



The Ibex inhabits the highest Alps of the Grisons 
country and the Vallais, and is also found in Crete :— 
They are very wild, and difficult to be shot ; and as they 
always keep upon the highest points of the rocks, the 
chase of them is attended with great danger : They are 
very strong and often turn upon the incautious huntsman, 
and tumble him down the precipice, unless he have 
time to lie down, and let the animal pass over him. 
They bring forth one young at a timCj seldom two j 
and are said not to be long-lived. 







\ili^%UL\,i.>^i^0i^'* 



THE CHAMOIS-GOAT. 

(Capra Rvpicapra, Lin. — Ysarus on Sarris, Buff.) 

The Chamois, though a wild animal, is very easily 
made tameand. docile. It is to be found onlv in rocky 

F 



82 HISTORY OF gUAETRUPEDS. 

and mountaneous places ; is about the size of a domes- 
tic Goat, and resembles it in many respects. It is most 
agreeably lively, and active beyond expressioii. The hair 
is short, like that of the Doe : In spring, it is of an ash 
colour ; in autumn, dun, inclining to black ; and in win- 
ter, of a blackish brown. 

The animal is found, in great plenty, in the moun- 
tains of Dauphiny, Piedmont, Savoy, Switzerland, and 
Germany. They are very gentle, and live in society 
with each other. They are found in flocks from four 
to four score, and even an hundred, dispersed upon the 
crags of the mountains. The large males are seen feed- 
ing, detached from the rest; except in rutting time, 
when they approach the females, and drive away the 
young. The time of their coupling is from the begin- ' 
ing of October to the end of November; and they 
bring forth in March and April. The young keep with 
the dam for about five months, and sometimes longer, 
if the hunters and the wolves do not separate them. It^ 
is asserted, that they live between twenty and thirty 
years. Their flesh is good to eat; and they yield tenor 
twelve pounds of suet, which far surpasses that of the 
Goat in hardness and goodness. 

The Chamois has scarcely any cry: It has a kind of 
feeble bleat, by which the parent calls its young : But in 
cases of danger, and when it is to warn the rest of the 
flock, it uses a hissing noise, which is heard at a great 
distance : For it is to be observed, that this creature is 
extremely vigilant, and has an eye remarkably quick and 
piercing : Its smell also is not less distinguishing. When 
it sees its enemy distinctly, it stops for a moment ; and, 
if the peisoa be near, ii flies off in an instant. In the 



HistGRY OF Quadrupeds. S3 

same manner, by its smell, it can discover a man at half 
a league distance, and give immediate notice. Upon 
the least alarm, the Chamois begins its hissing note with 
great force. The first hiss continues as long as the 
time of one respiration : In the beginning it Is very 
sharp, and deeper towards the close. The animal hav- 
ing, after this first alarm, reposed a moment, again 
looks round ; and perceiving the reality of its fears, con- 
tinues to hiss by intervals, until it has spread the alarm 
to a very great distance. During this time, It seems in 
the most violent agitation ; it strikes the ground with 
one fore foot, and sometimes with both ; it bounds from 
rock to rock, turns and looks round, runs to the edge 
of the precipice, and, still perceiving the enemy, flies 
with all its speed. The hissing of the male is muck 
Jouder and sharper than that of the female : It is perform- 
ed through the nose, and is properly no more than a 
very strong breath driven violently through a small 
aperture. 

The Chamois feeds upon the best herbage, and chuses 
the most delicate parts of the plants, the flowers, and 
the tender buds. It is not less delicate with regard to 
several aromatic herbs, which grows upon the sides of 
the mountains. It drinks very little while it feeds upon 
the succulent herbage, and chews the cud in the inter- 
vals of feeding. 

This animal is greatly admired for the beauty of its 
eyes, which are round and sparkling, and mark the 
w^armth of its constitution, Irs head is furnished with 
two small horns of about half a foot long, of a bcaatitui 
black, rising from the forehead almost betwixt the eyes: 
These, instead of going l>ackvYards or sideways, stand 

F 2 




S4 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

forward, and bend a little backward at their extremitie^y 
ending in a very sharp point. The ears are placed, in 
a very elegant manner, near the horns; there are two 
stripes of black on each side of the face, the rest is of 
a whitish-yellow. The horns of a female are less, and 
not so much bent ; The natives have been known to 
bleed cattle with the m. 

These animals are so much incommoded by heat, that 
they are never found in summer, except in the caverns 
of rocks, amidst fragments of unmelted ice, under the 
shade of high and spreading trees, or of rough and hang- 
ing precipices, that face the North, and keep off entire- 
ly the rays of the sun. They go to pasture both morn- 
ing and evening, and seldom during the heat of the 
day. They run along the rocks with great ease and 
seeming indifference, and leap from one to another, so 
that no dogs are able to pursue them. Nothing can be 
more extraordinary than the facility with which they 
clime and descend precipices, that to all other quadru- 
peds, are inaccessible : They always mount or descend 
in an oblique direction, and throw themselves down 
a rock of thirty feet, and light with great security 
upon some excrescence or fragment, on the side of the 
precipice, which is just large enough to place their feet 
upon; They strike the rock, however, in the descent, 
with their feet, three or four times, to stop the velocity 
of their motion; and, w^hen they have got upon the 
base below, they at once seem fixed and secure. In 
fact, to see them jump in this manner, they seem rather 
to have wings than legs. Certain it is, that their legs 
are formed for this arduous employment; the hind be- 
ing rather longer than the fore legs, and bending in such 



HISTORY OF qUADRUPEDS. 85 

a manner, that, when they descend upon them, they 
break the force of their fall. 

During the rigours of winter, the Chamois sleeps in 
the thickest forests, and feeds upon the shrubs, and the 
buds of the pine-tree. 

The hunting of the Chamois is very laborious and 
difficult. The most usual way is to shoot them from be- 
hind the clefts of the rocks. Some also pursue them 
as they do the Stag, by placing proper persons at all the 
passages of a glade or valley, and then sending in others 
to rouse the game. Dogs are quite useless in this chase, 
as they rather alarm than overtake : Nor is it without 
danger to the men ; for it often happens, that, when the 
animal finds itself overpressed, it drives at the hunter 
with its head, and often tumbles him down an adjoining 
precipice, — The Chamois cannot go upon ice when 
smooth ; but if there be the least inequalities on its sur- 
face, it then bounds along in security, and quickly 
evades ail pursuit. 

The skin of the Chamois was once famous, when 
tanned, for its softness and warmth: At present, how- 
ever, since the art of tanning has been brought to great- 
er perfection, the leather called sJiamvioij is made also 
from those of the tame Goat, the Sheep and the Deer. 

/ 

/ 



Ife-^^^ 




■% 



B& 



HISTORY OF 2UADRUPED?. 




COAT OF AJVGORJy 



Is well known for its long hair, which is thick, glossy, 
of a dazzling whiteness, and so fine, that cloths as 
beautiful as silk, known among us by the name o( 
camblets, are made of it. Its ears are long and pendu- 
lous. The male is furnished with horns, curiously 
twisted, which proceed horizontally from each side of 
the head, forming a screw; those of the female are 
shorter, and encircle the ear somewhat like those of the 
common Ram. They inhabit the rocky mountains of 
Pontus, where they experience a considerable degree 
of cold : They would probably thrive in Britain as 
well as in their native country. The same might be 
said of the Goat of Thibet, so famious for the fineness of 
its wool : it lives in a climate colder than ours in win° 
ter, and might probably be transplanted with success. 

In Portugal there is a breed of fine large Goats, re- 
markable for yielding a great quantity of milk, — a gal- 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 



87 



Ion and a half per day. These, if introduced into our 
Navy, might be of infinite services in long voyages. 

Experiments of this kind would certainly be attended 
with many great advantages; and it were much to be 
wished, that the great and opulent would employ some 
portion of their time and affluence in procuring, from 
distant countries, such useful anirnals as would propa- 
gate in our island, and are yel unknown in it. By this 
means marry of our lofty mountains might contribute to 
support a variety of useful creatures, that would at the 
same time, beautify the most barreji and rugged parts 
of o>ir country. 







F4 



HISTORY OF QUADIlUf£BS, 




THE STRMM GOAT, 



M. Buffon makes this a variety of the Goat of Ango- 
ra ; it differs from ours in nothing more than the length 
of its ears, which are pendulous, and from one to two 
feet long ; They are often troublesome to the creature 
in feeding ; for which I'eason, the owmers are sometimes 
obliged to cut one of them off. Their horns are short 
and black. — They are very numerous in the neighbour- 
hood of Aleppo, and supply the inhabitants with miJk, 
which they prefer to that of the Cow or the Buffalo. 

These are the principal varieties of the Goat kind; of 
w^hich there are others of less note , such as the African 
Goat or Buck of Judah, which is not muclf larger than 
a Hare; it is extremely fat. and its flesh is well tasted: 
The horns are short, smooth, and turn a little forward. 
It is common in Guinea, Angola, and all along the 
coast of Africa. 

In America there are Goats of a small kind, not much 
larger than a kid, with long hair : The horns^ which are 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. S§ 

sftort and thick, bend downwards so close to the head, 
fits almost to penetrate the skull. These are, in every 
respect, similar to the dwarf Goat found in Africa; and, 
according to BufFon, have been sent from that country, 
—It is certain that before the discovery of America by 
the Sjs^aniards, the Goat, and every other domestic ani- 
pial were unknown there. 

THE GAZELLES, OR AMTELOPES. 

■ These are a numerous and beautiful race of animals, 
inhabiting the hottest parts of the globe. They are 
classed by systematic writers, with the Goat kind ; and, 
like them, have hollow horns, which they never cast : 
In other respects they greatly resemble the Deer, espe- 
cially in the elegance of their form and the swiftness of 
their motions. They are of a restless and timid dispo- 
sition, remarkably agile ; their boundings are so light 
and elastic, as to strike the spectators with astonishment. 

Of all animals, the Gazelle has the most beautiful 
eye ; to which the eastern poets have made frequent al- 
lusions^ in describing those of their favourite beauties. 

The distinguishing marks of this tribe of animals, in 
which they differ both from the Goat and the Deer, are 
principally these :-~-Theiir horns are different, being an- 
nulated or ringed round, and at the same time marked 
with longitudinal depressions or furrows, running from 
the base to the point : Besides the extreme beauty and 
meekness of its aspect, the Gazelle is more delicately 
^nd finely limbed than the Roe-buck ; its hair is liner 
and more 'glossy : Its swiftness is so great, that the 
Greyhound, jhe fleetest of Dogs, is unequal to the 



go HISTORY OF gUADRUPEDS. 

course ; and the sportsman is obliged to call in the aid 
of the Falcon, whioh, being trained to the work, seizes 
on the animal, and impedes its, motion, so as to enable 
the Dogs to overtake it. In India and Persia a sort of 
Leopard is sometimes made use of in the chase, which 
takes its prey by the greatness of its springs ; but should 
he fail in his first essay, the game escapes. 

Some species pf the Antelope form herds of two or 
three thousand, while others keep in small troops of 
five or six. They for the most part live in hilly coun- 
tries. They often browse like the Goat, and feed on 
the tender shoots of young trees, which gives their 
flesh an excellent flavour. 

There are many varieties of this animal^ some of 
them little known or described. 

THE BLUE GOAT. 
(Antelope Leucophcea^ Pallas.) 

Mr. Pennant considers this as being next to the 
Goatj, from the length of its hair, and form of its horns. 

The colour of this creature is a fine blue, resembling 
velvety but when dead, it is said to change to a bluish 
grey : Its belly is white ; beneath each eye it has a large 
white mark : Its tail is seven inches in length, with 
long hairs at the end; Its horns incline backward,and 
form a curve; three-fourths of their length are decorated 
with twenty-four rings ; the uppermost quarter is smooth, 
and runs tapering to a point. It inhabits the hottest 
parts of Africa.— Sparman describes one which he saw 
at the Cape of Good Hope, and calls it a Blaaw-bok, 



HISTORY OF gUADRUPEDS. 



91 




THE PIED GOAT. 



This animal is likewise an inhabitant of the Cape, 
^s well as the plains and woods of Senegal, where large 
herds of them are to be seen. 

It is remarkable for having a white band running 
along each of its sides, crossed by two others from the 
back to the belly, disposed somewhat like a harness, 
from whence it is called the Harnessed Antelope: On 
each side of the rump it has three w^hite lines pointing 
downwards; its thighsare spotted with white; the colour 
of the body is a deep tawney; beneath each eye there 
is a white spot; its horns are straight, nine inches long, 
pointed backward, with two spiral ribs. Great flocks 
of them are found in the plains and woods of the coun- 
try of Poder, in Africa. — It is called, by Al. Buffon,the 
Guiby and, by Sparman, the Bonti-bok, or Spoiled Goat. 



m 



HISTORY OF gUADRUPEPSo 




THE WOOD GOAT. 



We are Indebted to the indefatigable labours of Dr. 
Sparrman, for an accurate description of this rare ani- 
mal, which is found in the country about the Cape of 
Good Hope, and lives chiefly in woods and groves, 
from whence it derives its name. 

Its horns are black, somewhat more than ten inches 
long, and have three sides wreathed in a spiral direc- 
tion towards the top ; at the bottom, they are rough, 
in consequence of a number of wavy rings, which, how- 
ever, are not elevated much above the surface ; at the 
top, they are round, sharp-pointed, and in that part as 
smooth as if they had been polished ; their position is 
almost in the same line with the forehead, inchning a 
little forwards, and, by means of the twist they make, 
recede from each other towards the middle, where they 
are three inches and a half distant ; at the base they 
are only one inch. 



HISTORY OF gUADRUPEDS. g$ 

The Wood-Goat is somewhat more than two feet and 
a half high, of a dark brown colour, in some parts bor- 
dering upon black : On each cheek-bone there are two 
large white spots ; another, still larger, occupies the 
forepart of the neck, somewhat below the top of the 
wind-pipe ; and several smaller white spots are scatter- 
ed over the haunches : A narrow line of white hair ex- 
tends from the neck all along the back and tail, but is 
not easily distinguished, being hid by the length of the 
dark brown hairs on the top of the back, which are 
three or four inches long, so as to form a kind of mane: 
The hair on the head is very short and fine; in other 
parts of the body it is longer, resembling that of Goats: 
Its tail is not more than a finger's breadth in length, 
covered with long hairs, which extend down the hind 
part of the thighs and buttocks; the legs and feet are 
slender; the fetlock joints are likewise small; the nose 
and under lip, which are white, are decorated with 
black wiskerS about an inch long. 

As this creature runs but slowly, it is sometimes 
caught with dogs. When it finds there is no other re- 
source, it boldly puts itself into a posture of defence; 
and when going to butt, kneels down, and in that po- 
sition sells its life at a very dear rate, killing and goring 
some of the best and most spirited hounds. It carries 
its head straight forward whilst it runs, laying its horns 
upon its neck, to prevent their being entangled in the 
bushes. The female is without horns: and, being 
lighter than the male, runs more freely through the 
forests, and is not so easily caught, her breast is said to 
be very plump : But the flesh of this animal is not ver)' 
tender. 



94* 



HISTORY OF gUA^RUPEDS. 




THE SPRIJVGER. 



The White- Ante lope, v/hlch is supposed to be the same 
with the Pygargy mentioned in the book of Numbers, 
is an inhabitant of the Cape of Good Hope, where it is 
called the Spring-hok, and is to be seen in herds of seve- 
ral thousands, covering the plains as far as the eye can 
reach. Sparman says, that having shot at a large herd 
of them, they formed a line, and immediately made a 
circular movement as if to surround him; but after- 
wards flew off in different directions. 

The height of this beautiful creature is two feet and 
a half; it measures, from the ears to the tail, somewhat 
above three feet: the tail is rather less than a foot long: 
The length of the ears six inches and a half; that of 
the horns, measuring them along their curvatures, nine 
inches; their distance from the base, where they are 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. SS 

nearly three inches thick, is one inch ; they gradually 
widen from thence to the distance of five inches from 
each other, when they turn inwards, so that at the tip 
they are not aboye three inches and a half asunder 3 they 
are of a deep-black colour, annulated above half way 
up; toward the top they are quite smooth, and end in a 
sharp point. 

The predominant colour of this animal is brown, or a 
light rust colour : The breast, belly, and inside of the 
limbs are white ; as is also the head, excepting a dark- 
brown list, which passes from each corner of the mouth, 
over the eyes, to the base of the horns : A stripe of the 
same dark colour extends, on each side, from the shoul- 
ders to the haunches, forming a boundary between the 
snowy whiteness of the belly and the rusty colour of the 
sides: The buttocks are white; and from the tail, 
half way up the back, is a stripe of white, bounded 
on each side by a dark brown list : The tail, at 
least the lower part of it, is aot thicker than a goose 
quill; the under side is quite bare; towards the tip 
there are a few dark brown hairs, from one to two inch- 
es and a half long. The ears are of an ash colour, tipt 
on the edges with fine light-gray hairs: The eye-brows 
and whiskers are black : The hair in general is fine and 
s^hort ; but the dark line which borders upon the white 
consists of longer hairs, which the animal is able to 
expand to the breadth of eight or nine inches, particu- 
larly on taking a high leap. M'hen pursued, it is ngi 
less pleasant than curious to see the whole herd jump- 
ing over each other's heads to a considerable height; 
Some of them will take three or four high leaps succes- 
sively. In this situation, they seem suspended in the 



96 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



air, looking over their shoulders at their pursuers, and 
at the same time shewing the white part of their backs 
in a most beautiful manner. 

The Springers are so extremely swift, as to require a 
good horse to overtake them; altho' they are sometimes 
bold enough to allow a sportsman, either on foot or ou 
horseback, to come within gun-shot of them. — -Their 
flesh is very palatable, and has a more juicy and deli- 
cate taste than that of the other Gazelles. 




THE EL K-AMTELOPE. 

(Le Coudous, Buff.) 

This is an inhabitant of the Cape, as well as the 
greatest part of India, and is one of the larger kinds of 
Gazelles. It has straight horns, two feet in length, 
of a dark-brown colour, marked with two prominent 
spiral ribs running near two-thirds of their length, but 



JHlStORY OF QUADRUPEDS, S7 

is^bnie towards the cnds^ which are turned a little in- 
wards : The forehead is flat, and broad at the top ; and 
has a forelock standing erect, the whole length of it: 
Its nose is sharp ; and its breast is covered with a loose 
skin. 

This animal is of an ash colour, inclining a little to- 
wards blue ; has a thin upright mane, quite black, 
which extends from the nape of its neck along the top 
of its back ; it has a tuft of black hair at the end of the 
tail. 

The Elk-x\n^telopes live chiefly in plains and valleys ; 
and, when hunted^ always run, if possible, against the 
wind: They are not very swift; and being in general 
fat, especially the males, which are always the largest 
^nd fattest in the herd, are soon tired. The hunter ge- 
nerally endeavours to get to windward of the animal, 
which when he has accomplished, he takes an opportu- 
nity of throwing hirnsel f from his horse, and instantly 
shoots the flying game : At this practice, the Dutch 
colonists at the Cape are so expert, as seldom to fail. 
Sparrman says, there have been many instances where 
keen sportsmen, as well for their own pleasure as con- 
venience, have hunted Elk-Antelopes and other Ga- 
zelles, for many miles together, from the open plains, 
and driven them to their own doors, before they thought 
it worth while to shoot them. 

The female has horns like the male, but smaller. 
They are used by the Hottentots for tobacco-pipes. 



g5 HISTORY OF gUADRUPEDS, 



THE HART-BEEST, 

(Le Biihale, BufF.) 

This is the most common of all the larger Gazelles, 
known in any part of Africa. The following accurate 
description is taken from Sparrman, to whom we are in- 
debted for the best accounts of such of these rare ani- 
mals as are to be met with near the Cape. Its height 
is somewhat above four feet; The horns are from six to 
nine inches long, very strong and black, almost close at 
the base diverging upwards, and at the top bending 
backwards in an horizontal direction almost to the tips, 
which turn a little downwards ; they are embossed with 
about eighteen rings of an irregular form. The general 
colour of the Hart-Beest is that of cinnamon; the front 
of the head is marked with black, as is likewise the 
fore part of the legs s the hind part of the haunch is co- 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. ^^ 

vered with a wide black streak, which reaches dowr^tiji 
the knee; a narrow stripe of black begins behind eacn* 
ear, and runs all along the ridge of the neck ; a dark- 
brown oval spot extends over the back, terminating just 
above the tail, which is slender, somewhat like that of 
an Ass, and is covered with strong black hairs about six 
inches long: There is a pore about an inch below the 
eye, from which a matter is distilled, somewhat like ear- 
wax, which the Hottentots preserve as a rare and ex- 
cellent medicine. 

This animal is supposed to be the Bubalus of the an- 
cients ; it is the Cervine Antelope of Mr. Pennant. 

The hair of the Hart-Beest is very fine ; and its long 
cars are covered with white hair on the inside; it has 
only eight teeth in the lower jaw, none in the upper; 
the legs are rather slender, with small fetlocks and hoofs. 

The large head and high forehead, together with the 
assanine ears and tail, of the Hart-Beest, render it one 
of the least handsome of the whole tribe of Antelopes. 
Its pace, when at full speed, appears like a heavy gal- 
lop ; notwithstanding which, it runs as fast as any of 
the larger Antelopes. When it has once got a-head of 
its pursuers, it is very apt to turn round, and stare them 
full in the face.— Its flesh is fine, rather dry, hut of aw 
agreeably high flavour. 




G 2 



too HISTORY OF gUADHUPEDS. 

THE KOEBOEy OR STRIPED AMTELOEE^ 

[Le Condiimay Buff.) 

Is a beautiful tall Gazelle, inhabiting the Cape of 
Good Hope v has long slender shanks ; is larger, though 
not so clumsy, as the Elk- Antelope : Its horns are 
smooth, twisted spirally, with a prominent edge or rib 
following the wreaths; they are three feet nine inches 
long, of a pale-brown colour, close at the base, and at 
the points round and sharp. 

The colour of this animal is a rusty-brown; along the 
ridge of the back there is a white stripe, mixed with 
brown ; from this are eight or nine white stripes, point- 
ing downwards; the forehead and the forepart of tlje 
nose are brown ; a white stripe runs from the corner of 
each eye, and meets just above the nose ; upon each 
cheek-bone, there are two small white spots ; the inner 
edges of the ears are covered with w^hite hair, and the 
upper part of the neck is adorned with a brown mane, 
an inch long ; beneath the neck, from the throat to the 
breast, are some long hairs hanging dow^n ; the breast 
and belly are gray ; the tail is two feet long, brown 
above, white beneath, and black at the end. 

The Koedoe, though a tall and slender ani mal, is not 
so swift as many of the Gazelle kind, and is easily over- 
taken by the hounds: On these occasions, the males de- 
fend themselves with great spirit with their horns, and 
will come to close quarters with th£ dogs ; but the fe- 
males, having no horns, are obliged to depend on their 
speed-. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 101 

THE GEMSE-BOK, 
[Capra Gazelluy Lin. — Le Pasan^ Buff.) 

It is called by Mr. Pennant, the Egyptian Antelope. 
The horns are straight, slender, of a black colour, about 
Ithree feet long^ with above twenty rings reaching half 
way to the point, which are smooth and taper; it is of 
an ash colour, inclining to red; the belly, legs, and 
face are white ; a black line extends from the back to 
the loins; the tail is about two feet long, terminated 
with black hairs. 

This animal is famous for a concretion in its stomach 
or intestines, called the oriental bezoar, which was much 
esteemed in former times for its great virtue in expel- 
ling poison in the human frame, and was sold at enor- 
mous prices, its value increasing in proportion to its 
size.---There was a time when a stone of four ounces 
sold in Europe for above ^.200; at present, however, 
its estimation and price are greatly decreased. The 
virtues which ingorance and inexperience attributed to 
it, are now found no longer to exist ; and this once ce- 
lebrated medicine is now only consumed in countries 
where the knowledge of Nature has been but little ad- 
vanced. Similar concretions are likewise found in a 
variety of animals of the Gazelle and Goat kind : Even 
Apes, Serpents and Hogs are said to have their bezoars. 
In short, there is scarcely an animal, except of the car- 
nivorous kind, that does not produce some of these con- 
cretions in the stomach, intestines, kidnics, and even 
the heart. 

3 



102 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

These are the principal animals of the Gazelle kind 
described by Dr. Sparrman, in his voyage to the Cape 
of Good Hope. He mentions a variety of others that 
are to be met with there, of which he gives us little but 
their names. 



THE REE-BOK, 

Is two feet in height ; of an ash colour, somewhat re- 
sembling that of a Hare, but a little more inclining to 
red: The belly and anus are white: The tail is short: 
The horns are black and straight, very similar to 
those of the Gemse-bok, but barely a foot long, very ta- 
per, and sharp pointed ; they are used by the Hotten- 
tots as awls or bodkins, for boring holes in making 
their shoes or cloaks. 

The flesh of this animal is dry, and accounted worse 
to eat than that of any other Gazelle. 



THE RIET'REE'EOK, 

Is twice as big as the last-mentioned animal ; Is mo- 
nogamous (or keeps in pairs); it generally lies conceal- 
ed among the reeds and marshy places, and resembles 
the Ree-bok. 




HISTORY OF SUADRUPEDS, 



103 




- '^rrrjr//aailllUili 



THE GRYS-BOK. 

[La Grimmey BafF.) 

Is of a grayish or asb colour, with large black ears, and 
a black spot round the eyes; straight black horns, slen- 
der and sharp-pointed, not three inches long, slightly 
annulated at the base: Its height is about eighteen 
inches; and it is most elegantly formed: Beneath each 
eye is a cavity, that contains a strong-scented oily li- 
quor, which smells something like musk, and, whenex^ 
posed to the air, becomes hard and black. — It is the 
Guinea Antelope of Mr. Pennant. 



THE KLIP-SPRIMGER, 

Is of a light-red colour, inclining to yellow, intermixed 
with black streaks ; the tips and edges of its ears are 
black: It runs with great swiftness, and makes large 
bounds, even on the steepest precipices, and in the 
most rocky places, where it cani\ot easily be caught 
with hounds. 

G4 



i04 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




^:-^£Z^:z;::t:»^uu^^ 



HE GMU. 



To these we may add the Gnu^ the Hottentot name 
for a singular aninial, which, \yith respect to its forrn, 
H between the Horse and the Qx. It is about the size 
of a common Gallpway, the length of it being some= 
what above five feet, and the height rather more than 
four. 

. This animal is of a dark-brown colour; the 'tail and 
mane of a light-gray , the shag on the chin and breast, 
and the stiff hairs which stand erect on the forehead 
and upper part of the face, are black : The curvature 
of the horns is singular; and the animal is represented; 
in the cut in the attitude of butting, to give an idea of 
it;^ form aiid position. 

Th^ legs of the Gnu are small;, its hair is very fine ; 
and it has a cavity beneath each eye, like most of the 
Antelope kind. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 105 



THE STEEJf-BOK, 
^i^frkagoh Buffi 



Is found in Senega], and at the "Cape of Good Hope.-- r 
Its whole body is of a pale-red colour 3 it is as large as 
a Roerbuck^ its horns, whicli do not exceed six inches 
in length, are almost smooth, and bend a little forward, 
its ears are five inches long ; and it has a white spot 
pver each eye. — It is called, by Mr. Pennant, the Red 
^Antelope. 

THE SF/IFT AJfTELOPE, 

[Le NangiieTy Buff.) 

Is likewise a native of Africa, and is found in Senegal 
•: — It is three feet and a half in length, and two and a 
hialf high ; the horns are black and round, eight inches 
in length, and what is singular^ bend forward at the 
points; its genera] colour is tawny; belly and thighs 
white ; it has likewise a white spot under the neck, is 
a very handsome animal, and easily tamed, its swift- 
ness is compared to that of the wind. 




10^ 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 




THE COMMOM AMTELOPE. 
[Capra Cervicapray Lin. — U Antelope ^ BufF.) 

The Antelope, properly so called, abounds in Barbary, 
and in all the northern parts of Africa. — It is somewhat 
less than the Fallow-deer : Its horns are about sixteen 
inches long, surrounded with prominent rings almost to 
the top, where they are twelve inches distant from point 
to point. The horns of the Antelope are remarkable 
for a beautiful double flexion, which gives them the ap- 
pearance of the lyre of the antients. The colour of the 
hair on the back is brown, mixed with red ; the belly 
^nd inside of the thighs a,re white ^ the tail short. 




HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. IO7 

THE BARBARY AMTELOPE, 

[Capra Dorcas, Lin. — La Gazelle, Buff.) 

Is likewise common in all the northern parts of Africa, 
in Syria, and Mesopotamia; and seems to be a variety of 
the last mentioned animal, which it strongly resembles; 
only the two colours on the back are separated from 
each other by a strong dusky line on each side, and on 
each knee there is a tuft of hair. 

• THE KEY EL, 

[Le Keveli'Bu^.) 

Is a native of Senegal: and, in colour and marks, very 
much resembles the preceding animal. It is about the 
size of a small Roe-buck; and its horns, instead of be- 
ing round, are flatted on their sides, and the rings are 
more numerous. It lives in great flocks, may be easily 
tamed, and is excellent meat. 

THE CORIK, 

(Le Corine, Buff.) 

Is still less than the two former animals: Its horns are 
very slender, only six inches long, and almost smootli, 
the annular prominences being scarcely discernible; each 
side of its face is marked with a white Hue, and beneath 



3 OS HiSTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

tiiat a black one; the upper part of the body is tawn-yj 
the belly and inside of the thighs white; a dark line on 
^ach side forms a separation between the two colours on 
the back and belly; on each knee is a tuft of hair. — » 
Some of these animals are irregularly spotted with white, 

THE KOBA, 

{Le Koha, Buff.) 

Is remarkable for the form of its horns, which are almost 
close at the base, bending out towards the middle, where 
they form a curve inwards, and again fly off at the 
points, which bend backward ; they are seventeen inches 
long, surrounded with fifteen rings; the ends are smooth 
and sharp. . 




HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 



ic^gl 




THE CHEVROTAIM AND MEMIMMA. 

(Le Chevrotain de Guinea^ Buff.) 

The Chevrotain, or little Guinea Deer, is the smallest 
of all the Antelope kind) the least of all cloven-footed 
quadrupeds, and, we may add, the most beautiful. Its 
fore legs, at the smallest part, are not much thicker than 
a tobacco-pipe ; it is not more than seven inches in 
height, and about twelve from the point of the nose to 
the insertion of the tail j its ears are broad ^ and its 
horns, which are straight, and scarcely two inches long, 
are black and shining as jet ; the colour of the hair is a 
reddish-brown ; in some a beautiful yellow, very short 
and glossy. 

These elesrant little creatures are natives of Sei>eo:al 
and the hottest parts of Africa; they are likewise found 
in India, and in many of the islands adjoining to that 
. vast continent. 

In Ceylon, there is an animal of this kind called Mc- 
vibma^ which is not larger than a Hare, but perfectly re- 



no HISTORY OF OUADK.UPEDS. 

sembling a Fallow-deer. It is of a gray colour; the 
sides and haunches are spotted and barred with white ; 
its ears are long and open; its tail short. 

None of these small animals can subsist but in a warm 
climate. They are so extremely delicate, that it is with 
the utmost difficulty they can be brought alive»into Eu- 
rope, where they soon perish. They are gentle, familiar, 
most beautifully formed; and their agility is such, that 
they will bound over a wall twelve feet high. In Gui- 
nea^ they are called Guevei, The female has no horns. 



THE SCYTHIAM AJfTELOFE 
(Capra Tartarica, Lin. — Le Saiga y BufF.^ 

This is the only one of the species that is to be found 
in Europe. The form of its body resembles the domes- 
tic Goat; but its horns are those of an Antelope, being 
marked by very prominent rings, with furrows between; 
they are a foot long, the ends smooth, of a pale-yellow 
colour, almost transparent. 

The male, during winter, is covered with long rough 
hair, like the He-Goat, and has a strong scent ; the fe- 
mak is smoother, and without horns. The general co- 
Jour is gray, mixed with yellow; the under part of the 
body is white. 

These animals inhabit Poland, Moldavia, about Mount 
Caucasus, the Caspian Sea, and Siberia ; are fond of 
salt, and frequent the places v/here salt-springs abound. 
In the rutting season, at the latter end of autumn, great 
flocks ©f them, consisting of several thousands, migrate 



HISTORY Oi^ ^tJABJ^UPEDS. till 

towards the south, and return in the spring, in smaller 
HockSj to the great northern deserts, where the females 
bring forth their young, and rear them. 

The malesj the females and their yoang, generally 
feed together ; and, when a part of them are resting, 
others, by an instinctive kind of caution, are always keep- 
ing watch I these again are relieved in due time; and, 
in this manner, they alternately rest and keep watch; 
frequently preserving themselves, by this means^ from 
the attacks of men and wild beasts. 

Their common pace is a trot; but, w^hen they exert 
their speed, they bound like the Roe-buck, and exceed 
it in fleetness. They are so timid, as to suffer themselves 
to be taken through fear: If once bitten by a dog, they 
instantly fall down, and give themselves up without fur- 
ther effort to escape. — When taken young, they are easi* 
ly tamed; but the old ones are so wild and obstinate, as 
to refuse all food, whilst in a state of captivity. — They 
are hunted for the sake of their flesh, horns, and skins; 
the latter are excellent for gloves, belts, &;c. The hunts- 
man is extremely cautious in approaching a herd of these 
animals, lest they should discover him by the excellent 
cy of their smell. They are either shot, or taken by 
dogs ; and sometimes by the black eagle, which is train- 
ed for that purpose. In running, they seem to incline 
to one side; and their motion is so rapid, that their 
feet seem scarcely to touch the ground. 




11^ 



Distort oi- gUADRUPios. 




THE J^fTL'GHAU. 

This animal is a native of the interior parts of India, 
It seems to be of a middle nature^ between the Cow and 
the Deer, and carries the appearance of both in its form. 
In size, it is as much smaller than the one, as it is larger 
than the other: Its body, horns, and tail, are not unlike 
those of a Bull ; and the head, ne-ck, and legs, are similar 
to those of a Deer. The colour, in general, is ash or 
gray, from a mixture of black hairs and white : All along 
the ridge or edge of the neck the hair is blacker, longer, 
and mote erect, making a short, thin, and upright mane, 
reaching dowm to the hump: Its horns are seven inches 
long, six inches round at the root, tapering by degrees^ 
and terminat ing in a blunt point -s The ears are large and 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.^ 113 

'beautiful, seven inches in length, and spread to a consi- 
derable breadth ; they are white on the edge and on the 
inside, except where two bhck bands mark the hollow 
of the ear with, a Zebra-like variety. The height of this 
animal, at the shoulder, is four feet one inch 3 behind 
the loins, it only measures four feet. 

The- female differs considerably from the male, both ih 
height and thickness ; it is much smaller; in shape and 
colour it very m,uch resembles a Deer, and has no horns : 
She has four nipples, and is supposed to go nine months 
with young : She has commonly one at a birth, and 
sometimes two. 

Several of this species were brought to this country in 
the year 1767, which continued to breed annually for 
some years after. — Dr. Hunter, who had one of them in 
his custody for some time, describes it as a harmless and 
gentle animal; that it seemed pleased with every kind of 
familiarity; always licked the hand that either stroked 
or fed it, and never once attempted to use its horns of- 
fensively. It seemed to have muchdependance on its or- 
gans of smell, and snuffed keenly whenever any person 
came in sight: It did so likewise, when food or drink 
was brought to it, and would not taste the bread winch 
was offered, if the hand that presented it happened to 
smell of turpentine. 

Its manner of fighting is very particular, and is thus 
described: — Two of the males at Lord Clive's being put 
into an inclosure, were observed, while they were at 
some distance from each other, to prepare for the attack 
by falling down upon their knees:, They then shutr;cd 
towards each other, still keening upon their knees, and, 

li 



114 HISTORY OF gUADRUPEDS. 

at the distance of a few yards, they made a spring, and 
darted against each other with great force. 

The following anecdote will serve to shew, that dur- 
ing the rutting season, these animals are fierce and vi- 
cious, and not to be depended upon : A labouring man^ 
without knowing that the animal was near hira, went up 
to the outside of the inclosure -, the Nyl-ghau, with the 
quickness of lightning, darted against the wood-work 
with such violence, that he dashed it to pieces, and 
broke off one of his horns close to the root. The death 
of the animal, which happened soon after, was supposed 
to be owing to the injury he sustained by the blow. 

Bernier says, that it is the favourite amusement of the 
Mogul Emperor to hunt the Nyl-ghau ; and that he kills 
them in great numbers, and distributes quarters of them 
to his omrahs; which shews that they are esteemed 
good delicious food. 

The Nyl-ghau is frequently brought from the interior 
parts of Asia as a rare and valuable present to the na- 
bobs and other great men at our settlement3 in India. 

It remains to be considered, whether this rare animal 
might not be propagated with success in this country. 
That it will breed here, is evident from experience j and, 
if it should prove docile enough to be easily trained to la- 
bour, its great swiftness and considerable strength might 
be applied to the most valuable purposes. 




HISTORY OF gtJADRUPEDS. 



115 




T^^m^I^^S!^^^^^^'^-^ 



THE MUSK. 
(Moschus MoschiferuSy Lin. — Le Musc^ BufFj 

There have been various accounts given of this ani- 
mal by naturalists and travellers; by whom it seems to 
have been taken notice of more for the perfume w^hich 
it produces, than for the information of the curious en- 
quirer into its nature and qualities : For we are still at 
a loss what rank to assign it among the various tribes 
of quadrupeds. 

It has no horns 3 and whether it ruminates or not, is 
uncertain : But, by its wanting the fore teeth in the up- 
per jaw, we are led to suppose that it belongs either 
to the Goat or the Deer kind; and liave therefore given 
it a place after the Gazelles, relying upon those clia- 
racteristic marks which are known, and leaving it to 
those naturalists, who may be possessed of better means 
of information, to ascertain its genuine character. 

II 2 



116 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

The Musk of Thibet resembles the Roe-buck in 
form. It is somewhat above two feet in height at the 
shoulder; thehinci legs, which are longer than the fore 
legs, are two feet nine inches high at the haunches; 
the length is three feet six inches from the head to the 
tail; the head is above half a foot long: its upper jaw- 
is much larger than the lower; and on each side of it 
there is a slender tusk, near two inches long, w^hich 
hangs down, bcDding it inwards like a hook, and very 
sharp on the inner ^dg^ : Its lower jaw contains eight 
small cutting teeth ; and in each jaw there are six 
grinders : Its ears are long, small, and erect, like 
those of a Rabit: The hair on the whole body is long 
and rough, marked with small waves from top to bot- 
tom : The colour is a rusty-brown ; under the belly and 
tail it is white : On each side of the lower jaw there 
is a tuff of thick hair, about an inch long; Its hoofs are 
deeply cloven, slender, and black ; the spurious hoofs 
are likewise very long: Its tail is not more than two 
inches in length, and hid in the hair. — The use it 
makes of its tusks is not well known : The most proba- 
ble is that of hooking up roots out of the ground, 
and catching at small twigs and branches of trees, upon 
which it feeds. — The female ba's no tusks, is less than 
than the male, and has two small teats. 

The Musk is found in the kingdom of Thibet, in se- 
veral of the Chinese provinces, about the lake Baikal, 
and near the rivers Jeuisea and Argun, from lat. 60 to 
45; but seldom so far south, except driven by great falls 
of snow to seek for food in more temperate climates. — It 
is naturally a timid animal, and endowed with a quick 
sense voF hearing. Its solitary haunts are usually moun- 
tains, covered wiih pinesi ; where it avoids n-iankind, and. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 11? 

when pursued, flics to the higliest and most inaccessible 
summits. 

The perfume produced by this animal, vv'hich is so 
well known in the fashionable circles, and of late so 
much used in the practice of physic, needs little descrip- 
tion. It is found in a bag or tumour^ nearly of the size 
of a hen's egg, on the belly of the male only. These 
bags the hunters cut off, and tie them up for sale ; many 
thousands of which are sent over annually to Europe, be- 
sides what are consumed in different parts of the East. 
To account for this great consumption, it is supposed 
that the musk is frequently adulterated and mixed with 
the blood of the animal. It comes to us from China, 
Tonquin, Bengal, and Muscovy; but that of Thibet is 
reckoned the best, and sells at a much higher price. 

The flesh of the males, especially in the rutting season, 
is much infected with the flavour of the musk ; but i&, 
nevertheless, eaten by the Russians and Tartars. 




II 3 



Tl8 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



^ 




'■W^ 

AJ 






fe'-^ 



i-^^^s. 








> THE CAMELEOPARD. 
{Cervus Camebpardah's, Lin.— Za Giraffe, Buff.) 

This animal, (the existence of which has frequently 
been called in question) is a native of the wild and un- 
frequented desarts of Ethiopia, and other interior parts 
of Africa, v/here it ^eads a solitary life, far from the ha= 
bitations of men, for whose use it is rendered unfit by 
the enormous disproportion of its parts. It has hither- 
to been regarded chiefly as an object of curiosity, and 
rnay lead us to admire the wonderful productions of 
that creative Power, which has filled the earth with 
life in such a boundless variety of form.s. 

The height of this extraordinary animal, from the, 
crown oif the head tp, the ground, is seventeen feet> 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 119 

while at the rump it only measures nine ; the neck alone 
is seven feet long; and the length, from the extremity 
of the tail to the end of the nose, is twenty-two feet 
The fore and hind legs are nearly of an equal height; 
but the shoulders rise so high, that its back inclines like 
the roof of a house : Its nec,k is slender and elegant, 
adorned on the upper side with a short mane : On the 
highest part of the head it has two perpendicular horns, 
six inches long, covered with hair, and round at the ends, 
where they are encompassed with a circle of short black 
hairs*: On the middle of the forehead there is a protu« 
berance, abput two inches high : 4ts ears are long, and 
its eyes large and beautiful. 

The colour of the male is light-gray, interspersed withP 
large dark-brown spots over the whole body ; the spots 
on the female are of a pale-yellow colour. 

It is a timid and gentle creature, but not swift; from 
the great length of its fore legs, it is obliged to divide 
them to a great distance when it grazes, which it does 
with great difficulty; it lives chiefly by browsing on the 
leaves and tender branches of trees : it lies on its belly, 
and has hard protuberances on its breast and thighs, like 
the Camel ; its tail is similar to that of an ox, with 
strong black hair at the end; it is cloven-footed, has no 
teeth in the upper jaw, and is a ruminating animal. — 
The female has four teats, and is less than tUe male. — • 
This animal was known to the^Romans in early times. 

* Mr. Vaillant, who shot several of these animals, says, that these 
horns differ from those of the Stag or the OX; in being farmed by 
a continuation of the bone of the skiu'l. 



120 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




TEE ELK, 

(CerviLs A Ices, Lin. — VElaii, Buff.y^ 

Is the largest and most formidable of ail the Deer kind. 
It is a native of both the old and the new continent, 
being known in Europe by the name of the Eik^ and in 
America by that of the Moos€-d€e7\ It is sometimes ta- 
ken in the forests of Russia and Germany ; though it is 
rarely to be seen, on account of its extreme wildness. 
It likewise inhabits Norway, Sweden, Poland, and Tar- 
tary, as far as the North of China. It is common in 
Canada, and in all the northern parts of America. 

The Elk has been variously described by naturalists 
and travellers : By some it is said to be twelve feet 
high ; whilst others, with greater appearance of proba- 
bility, describe it as being not much higher than a 
Horse. It is, however, a matter of doubt to which a 
greater degree of credibility should be given. 



HISTORY OF OUADRUPEDS. 121 

From a variety of Elks' horns preserved in the cabi- 
nets of the curious, some of which are of a most enor- 
mous size, there is every reason to conclude, that the 
animal which bore them must have been of a propor- 
tionable bulk and strength. 

Those who speak of the gigantic Moose, say, their 
horns are six feet long, and measure, from tip to tip, 
above ten feet : the beams of the horns are short ; from 
which they spread out into large and broad palms, one 
side of which is plain, but on the outside are several 
sharp snags or shoots. 

The European Elk grows to the height of seven or 
eight feet ; and in length, from the end of the muzzle 
to the insertion of the tail, measures ten feet : The head 
is two feet long ; the neck, on which is a short upright 
mane of a light brown colour, is much shorter : Its eye 
is small ; and, from the lower corner of it, there is a 
deep slit common to all the Deer kind as well as most 
of the Gazelles: The ears are upwards of a foot in 
length, very broad, and somewhat slouching; the nostrils 
are wide; and the upper lip, which is square, and has a 
deep furrow in the middle, hangs greatly over the lower, 
from whence it was im.agined by the ancients, that this 
creature could not graze without going backward : The 
withers are very high, the hind legs much shorter than 
the fore legs, and the ho'ofs deeply cloven: From a small 
excrescence under the throat, hangs a long tuft of coarse 
black hair : The tail is very short, dusky above, and white 
beneath : The hair is long and rough, like a Bear, and of 



IS^ HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

a hoary brown colour, not much differing from that of 
the Ass. 

The pace of the Elk is a high, shambling trot; but it 
goes with great swiftness. — Formerly these animals 
were made use of in Sweden to draw sledges ; but as 
they were frequently accessary to the escape of such as 
bad been guilty of murders or other great crimes, this 
use of them was prohibited under great penalties. 

In passing through thick woods, these animals carry 
their heads horizontally, to prevent their horns being en- 
tangled in the branches. 

The Elks are timid and inoffensive * exc^^pt when 
wounded, or during the rutting season, when the males 
become very furious, and at that time will swim from 
isle to isle in pursuit of the females. They strike with 
both horns and hoofs, and possess such agility and 
strength of limbs, that with a single blow of the fore 
feet, they will kill a Wolf or a Dog. 

Their flesh is extremely sw^eet and nourishing. The 
Indians say, they can travel farther after eating heartjly 
of the flesh of the Elk, than any other animal food. 
Their tongues are excellent ; but the nose is esteemed 
the greatest delicacy in all Canada. The skin makes ex- 
cellent buff leather, and is strong, soft, and light: The 
Indians make their snow-shoes, and likewise form their 
canoes with it. The hair on the neck, withers, and 
hams, of a full-grown Elk, from its great length and 
elasticity, is well adapted to the purpose of making 
mattrasses and saddles. 

The methods of hunting these animals in Canada are 
curious. The first and most simple, is, — before the lakes 
or rivers are frozen, multitudes cf the natives assemble in 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. IS3 

their canoes, with which they form a vast crescent, 
each horn touching the shore ; whilst another party 
on the shore surround an extensive tract : They are at- 
tended by dogs, which they let loose, and press towards 
the water with loud crie^. The animals alarmed by 
the noise, fly before the hunters, and plunge into the 
lake, where they are killed by the people in the canoes 
with lances and dubs. — Another method requires a 
greater degree of preparation and art. The hunters 
inclose a large space with stakes and branches of trees, 
forming two sides of a triangle ; the bottom opens into 
a second inclosure, which is fast on all sides : At the 
opening are hung numbers of snares, made of the shps 
of raw hides. They assemble, as before, in great 
troops : and with all kinds of hideous noises, drive 
into the inclosure not only the Moose, but various 
pther kinds of Deer, with which that country abounds. 
Some, in forcing their way through the narrow pass, 
are caught in the snares by the neck or horns , whilst 
those which escape these, meet their fate from the ar- 
rows of the hunters, directed at them from all quarters. 
■— Tliey are likewise frequently killed with the gun. 
When they ^re first discovered, they squat with their 
hind parts, and make water; at which instant the 
sportsman fires : If he miss, the Moose sets off in a most 
rapid trot, making, like the Rein-deer, a prodigious 
rattling with its hoofs, and running twenty or thirty 
miles before it stops or takes the water. The usual 
time for this diversion is in winter. The animal can 
run with ease upon the firm surface of the snow ; but 
the hunters avoid entering on the chase till the heat of 
the sun is strong enough to melt the frozen crust 
wnth which it is covered, and render it so soft as to im- 



124 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



pede the flight of the Moose, sinks up to the shoulders, 
flounders, and gets on with great difficulty : The sports- 
man pursues in his broad rackets, or snow shoes, and 
makes a ready prey of the distressed animal. 

" As weak against Ihe mountain-heaps they push 
" Their beating breasts in vain, and piteous bray, 
" He lays them qiiiv'ring on th'ensangnin'd snows. 
" And with loud shouts rejoicing bears them home/' 

The female is less than the male, and has no horns. 
They are in season in the autumn; and bring forth in 
Aprilj sometimes one, but generally two young ones at 
a time, which arrive at their full growth in six years. 




HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



125 




^^^J4^.tM^^^j. 



THE AMERICAN ELK. 

We have given a faithful portrait of this animal, 
from a living one lately brought from the interior parts 
of America. It seems to be very different from that 
generally described under the name of the Elk or 
Moose-deer J to which it has very little resemblance. 
It seems, indeed, to belong to a distinct species, and 
is probably the Elk or Original of Canada and the nor- 
thern parts of America. 

At the age of five years, the length of this creature 
was nine feet, from the end of the muzzle to the inser- 
tion of the tail, the head and neck being extended in a, 
line with the bodv : Iti heii>ht at the shoulder was four 



i^6 iitSTORY OF 2UADRUPEDS. 

feet six inches; length of the head, one foot six inches^ 
breadth over the forehead, seven inches ; length of the 
forelegs, two feet five inches; length of the neck, twa 
feet six; its ears, nine inches; and tail, three. Its 
horns, which it had just shed, are not palmated, like 
those of the Moose: They are large; and when full 
grown measure above six feet, from tip to tip. The 
antlers are round, and pointed at the ends: The 
lowermost antler forms a curve downward over each 
eye, to which it appears a defence. Its hair was long^ 
of a dark-dun colour on the back and sides; on the 
head and legs dark brown: Its eyes full and lively; 
and below each there is a deep slit, about t\Vo inches 
in length, the use of which we are unable to discover. 

It was very lively and active ; of great strength of 
body and limbs : Its hoofs shorty and hke those of a 
calf; the division between them is less than in those of 
the Rein-deer ; and, when the animal is in motion, they 
do not make a rattling noise. It has no mane; but the 
hair under its neck is longer than that on any other part 
of the body. 

We were told by the owner of this very rare and 
beautiful animal, that it does not attain its full growth 
till twenty years old, and that it sheds its horns every 
third yean 




KrSTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 



127 




THE REIN-DEER, 



{Cerviis Tarandusy Lin. — Le RemWy Buff.) 

This extrajordinary animal is a native of the icy re- 
gions of the North; where, by a wise and bountiful dis^ 
pensation, which diffuses the common goods of Nature 
Over every part of the habitable globe, it is made subser- 
vient to the wants of a hardy race of men inhabiting the 
countries near the pole, who would find it impossible to 
subsist among their snowy mountains without the aid of 
this most useful creature. 

In more temperate regions, men are indebted to the 
unbounded liberality of Nature for a great variety of va-' 
luable creatures to serve, to nourish, and to cloath them. 
To the poor Laplander, the Rein-deer alone supplies the 
place of tlie Horse, the Cow, the Sheep, the Goat, &:c. ; 



128 



HISTORY OF 2UADRUPED5, 



and from it he derives the only comforts that tend to 
soften the severity of his situation in that most inhospi- 
table climate. 

The Rein-deer of Lapland are of two kinds — ^the wild 
and the tame : The former are larger, stronger, and more 
hardy than the latter; for which reason, the tame females, 
in the proper season, are often sent out into the woods, 
where they meet with wild males, and return home 
impregnated by them. The breed from this mixture 
is stronger, and better adapted for drawing the sledge, 
to which the Laplanders accustom them at an early 




THE SLEDGE 



age. They are yoked to it by a collar, from which a 
trace is brought under the belly between the legs, and 
fastened to the fore part of the sledge. These carriages 
are extremely light, and covered at the bottom with the 
skin of the Rein-deer. The person who sits in it guides 
the animal with a cord fastened to its horns ; he drives it 
with a goad, and encourages it with his voice. Those of 
the wild breed, though by far the strongest, often prove 
refractory, and not only refuse to obey their master. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 129 

turn against him, and strike so furiously v/ith their feet, 
that his only resource is to cover himself with his sledge, 
upon which the enraged creature vents his fury : The 
tame Deer, on the contrary is patient, active, and wil- 
ling. — When hard pushed, the Rein-deer will trot the 
distance of sixty miiles without stopping; but in such 
exertions, the poor obedient creature fatigues itself so 
exceedingly that its master is frequently obliged to kill 
it immediately, to prevent a lingering death that would 
ensue. In general they can go about thirty miles with- 
out stopping, and that without any great or dangerous 
effort. — This mode of travelling can be performed only 
in the w^inter season, when the face of the country is 
covered with snow; and, although the conveyance is 
speedy, is inconvenient, dangerous, and troublesome. 

As the Rein-deer constitutes the sole riches of the 
Laplander, it may Well be supposed that a constant at- 
tention to preserve and secure it, forms the chief employ- 
ment of his life. It is no uncommon thing for one per- 
son to possess above five hundred in a single herd. 

As soon as summer appears, which forms but a short 
Interval from the most piercing cold, the Laplander, w^ho 
had fed his Rein-Deer upon the lower grounds during the 
winter, drives tliem up to the mountains, leaving the 
woody country and the low pastures, which at that sea- 
son are in a state truly deplorable. Myriads of insects, 
bred by the heat of the sun in the woods and fens with 
which this country abounds, are all upon the wing; the 
whole atmosphere swarms with life; every place and eve- 
ry creature is infested ; the natives are obliged to cover 
their faces with a mixture of pitch and milk, to shield 

I 



ISO HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

them from these minute invaders, which are drawn in 
with the breath, and enter the nostrils, and even the 
eyes: But they are chiefly inimical to the Rein-deer; 
The horns of that animal being then tender, and covered 
with a skin which renders them extremely sensitive, a 
cloud of these insects settle upon them, and drive the 
poor animal almost to distraction. In this extremity, 
there is no resource but flight. The herdsmen drive 
their flocks from the plains to the summits of the moun- 
tains, whither the foe cannot follow them : There they 
will continue the whole day with little or no food, ra- 
ther than venture down into the lower parts, where they 
have DO defence against their unceasing persecutors. 

Besides the gnat, the gadfly is a common pest to the 
Rein-deer. In the autumn this insect deposits its eggs 
in their skin, where the worms burrow, and often proves 
fatal to them. The moment a single fly is seen, the 
whole herd is in motion ; They know their enemy, and 
endeavour to avbid it, by tossing up their heads, and run- 
ning among each other; but all this too often proves in- 
effectual. 

Every morning and evening during the summer, the 
herdsmen returns to his cottage with the Deer to be 
milked, where a large fire of moss is prepared, for the 
purpose of filling the place with smoke, to drive oflT the 
gnats, and keep the D^er quiet whilst milking. — The 
quantity of milk given by one female in a day, is about a 
pint. It is thinner than that of a Cov^^, but sweeter and 
more nourishing. 

The female begins to breed at the age of two years, is 
in season the latter end of September, goes with young 
eight months, and generally bring forth two at a time. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 131 

^" — ^The fondness of the Dam for her young is very re- 
markable. They follow hi^er two or three years, but do 
not acquire their full strength until four. It is at this 
•age that they are trained to labour ; and they continue 
serviceable four or five years. They never live above fif- 
teen or sixteen years. At eight or nine years old, the 
Laplanders kill -them for their skins and their flesh. Of 
the former they make garments, which are w^arm, and 
cover them from head to foot : They also serve them for 
beds ; they spread them on each side of the fire upon 
the leaves of trees, and in this manner lie both soft and 
w^arm. The latter affords a constant supply of good and 
wholesome food, which, in the winter, when other kinds 
of provision fail, is their chief subsistence. The tongue 
of the Rein-deer is considered as a great delicacy ; and, 
when dried, great numbers of them are sold into other 
countries. The sinews serve for thread, with which the 
Laplanders make their cloaths, shoes, and other neces- 
saries; and, when covered with the hair, serve them for 
ropes. 

Innumerable are the uses, the comforts, and advan- 
tages, which the p(x>r inhabitants of this dreary climate 
derive from this animal. We cannot sum them up bet- 
ter than the beautiful language of the poet: — 

" Their Rein-deer form their riches. These tljsir tents, 
" Their robes, their beds, and all their homely wealih, 
" Supply their wholesome fare, and chearfiil cups: 
« Obsequious at their call, the docile tril)e 
" Yield to the sled their Decks, and whirl them swii^ 
^' O'er hill and dale, heapd into one e\paih!,e 
*' Of marbled snow, as far as eye can sweep, 
" With a blue crust of ice unbounded glazd" 
I 2 



132 HISTORY OF QO'ADRUPEE^S. 

The horns of the Rein-deer are large and slenderer 
bending forward, with brow antlers, which are broad 
and palmated. A pair in our possession are in length 
two feet eight inches, and from tip to tip two feet five : 
they weigh nine pounds : The projecting brow antkr is 
fourteen inches long, one foot broad, and serrated at the 
end: It should seem both from its situation and form^ 
an~ excellent instrument to remove the snow, under which 
its favourite moss lies. Both sexes have horns:. Those 
of the female are less, and have fewer branches. 

We are happy in being able to give an accurate repre^ 
sentation of this singular creature. The drawing was 
taken from one in the possession of Sir H. G. Liddell^, 
Bart, wirich he brought over from Lapland, with four 
others, in 1786. The height at the shoulder was three 
feet three inches. The hair on the body was of a dark^ 
brown colour; and on the neck brown, mixed with 
white : A large tuft of hair, of a dirty-white colour, 
hung down from the throat, near its breast; and it had 
a large white spot on the inside of each hind leg, close 
by the joint: Its head was long and fine; and round 
each eye was a large black space : Its horns were cov= 
ered with a fine down, like velvet. The hoofs of this- 
animal are l?rge, broad, and deeply cloven : They spread 
out to a great breadth on the ground ; and, when the 
animal is in m.otion, make a crackling noise, by being 
drav/n up forcibly together. 

Not many attempts have been m^ade to draw the Rein- 
deer from its native mountains, and transport it to mild- 
er climes; and of these few have succeeded. Natural- 
ists from thence have concluded, that it cannot exist but 
amidst ice and snow. M. Buffon regrets the itnpossibi- 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. ISS 

iity of procuring the animal alive ; and says, that, when 
transported to another climate, it soon dies. M. Rcgnard 
mentions some that were brought to Dantzick; where, 
being unable to endure the heat of the climate, they all 
perished. Queen Christina of Sweden procured five and 
twenty, which she purposed sending to Oliver Cromw^ell: 
They were brought as far as Stockholm ; but the Lap- 
landers who attended them refusing to come to England, 
fifteen of the number w^ere killed by the wolves, and the 
remaining ten did not long survive, the climate being 
considered as too w^arm. 

To those brought over by Sir H. G. Liddell, five more 
were added the year following. They produced young 
ones, and gave promising hopes of thriving in this coun- 
try: But, unfortunately, some of them were killed; and, 
the others died, in consequence of a disorder similar to 
that called the rot in Sheep, which was attributed to the 
richness of the grass whereon they fed. Nor can w^e 
wonder at the failure of this spirited enterprize, when 
we consider, that it is the sole employment of the Lap- 
lander to tend and herd his Rein-deer, to drive them in 
the summertime to the summits of the mountains, to the 
sides of clear lakes and streams, and to lead them where 
they can find the most proper food. Want of knowledge 
ot attention to minute particulars, is sufiicient to over- 
turn the best-laid plans. 

There is, however, little doubt but this animal will 
live without the Lapland lidicn y to which, perhaps, it 
only hath recourse, because there is in those latitudes no 
other sustenance during the winter. It is also, in Eng- 
land, free from its mortal enemy — the gadfly. But a^ 

I 3 



1S4 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

the desire of possessing this animal has hitherto been ex- 
cited only by curiosity, it is not likely that much atten- 
tion will be paid to it in a country like this, abounding 
with such a variety of useful quadrupeds. 

The Rein-deer is wild in America, where it is called 
the Caribou. — It is found in Spitzbergen and Greenland, 
and is very common in the most northern parts of Eu- 
rope, and in Asia as far as Kamschatka, where some of 
the richest of th^^ natives keep herds of ten or twenty 
thousand in number. 

In the neighbourhood of Hudson^s Bay there are great 
herds of wild Rein-deer r Columns of many thousands 
annually pass from North to South in the months of 
March and April. In that season the muskatoes are very 
troublesame, and oblige them to quit the woods, and 
seek refreshment on the shore and open country. Great 
numbers of beasts of prey follow the herds. The wolves 
single out the stragglers, detach them from the flock^ 
and hunt them down: The foxes attend at a distance, 
to pick up the offals left by the former. In autumn., 
the Deer, with the fawns bred during the summer, re^ 
migrate northward. 




HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



135 




THE STAG, OR RED-DEER, 
(Cerviis ElepJtaSy Lin. — Le Cerf, BufF.) 

This is the most beautiful animal of the Deer kind. 
The elegance of his form, the lightness ot his motions, 
the flexibility of his limbs, his bold branching horns, 
which are annually renewed, his grandeur, strength, and 
swiitness, give him a decided pre-eminence over every 
other inhabitant of the forest. 

The age of the Stag is known bv its horns. The first 

I4 



136 HISTORY OF QAUDRUPEDS. 

year exhibits only a short protuberance, which is covered 
with a hairy skin ; the next year, the horns are straight 
and single ; the third year produces two antlers, the 
fourth three, the fifth four 3 and, when arrived at the 
sixth year, the antlers amount to six or seven on each 
side; but the number is not always certain. 

The Stag begins to shed his horns the latter end of 
February, or the beginning of March. Soon after the 
old horn has fallen off, a soft tumour begins to appear, 
which is soon covered with a down like velvet: This tu- 
mour every day buds forth, hke the graft of a tree ; and 
rising by degrees, shoots out the antlers on each side : 
The skin continues to cover it for some time, and is fur- 
nished with blood-vessels, which supply the growing 
horns with nourishment, and occasion the furrows ob- 
servable in them when that covering is stript off: The 
impression is deeper at the bottom, where the vessels are 
larger, and diminishes towards the point, where they are 
smooth. When the horns are at their full growth, they 
acquire strength and solidity 3 and the velvet covering or 
skin, with its flood-vessels, dries up, and begins to fall 
off; which the animal endeavours to hasten, by rubbing 
them against the trees; and, in this manner, the whole 
head gradually acquires its complete hardness, expansion 
and beauty. 

Soon after the Stags have polished their horns, which 
is not compleated till July or August, they quit the 
thickets, and return to the forests : They cry with a 
Joud and tremulous note, and fly from place to place, 
in search of the females, with extreme ardour: Their 
necks swell; they strike with their horns against trees 
and other obstacles, and become extremely furious.— At 



HISTORY OF (QUADRUPEDS. I37 

this season, when two Stags meet, their contests are often 
desperate, and terminate in the defeat or flight of one of 
them; whffe the other remains in possession of his mis- 
tress and the field, till another rival approaches, that he 
is also obliged to attack and repel. During this time^ 
which usually lasts about three weeks, the Stag is fre- 
quently seen by the sides of rivers and pools of water, 
where he can quench his thirst, as well as cool his ar- 
dour. He swims with great ease and strength ; and, it 
is said, will even venture out to sea, allured by the 
Hinds, and swim from one island to another, though at a 
considerable distance. 

The hinds go with young eight months and a few 
days, and seldom produce more than one young, called 
2iFaiv)2. They bring forth in May, or the beginning of 
June, and conceal their young with great care in the most 
obscure retreats. They will even expose themselves ta 
the fury of the hounds, and suffer all the terrors of the 
chase, in order to draw off the dogs from their hiding- 
place. The hind is also very bold in the protection of 
her offspring, and defends it with great courage against 
her numerous and rapacious enemies : The Wild Cat, the 
Dog, and even the Wolf, are frequently obliged to give 
way to her upon these occasions. But what appears to 
be strangely unnatural, the Stag himself is frequently one 
of her most dangerous foes, and would destroy the fawn, 
if not prevented by the maternal care of the Hind, which 
carefully conceals the place of its retreat. 

The calf never quits the dam during the u'hole sum- 
mer; and in winter, the Stags and Hinds of all ages 
keep together in herds, which are more or less numerous 
according to the mildness or rigour of the season, '.rhcy 



138 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

separate in the spring: The Hinds retire, to bring forth ^ 
while none but the young ones remain together. 

Stags are gregarious, and fond of grazing in company : 
It is danger or necessity alone that separates them. 

The usual colour of the Stag, in England, is red ; in 
other countries, it is generally brown or yellow. His 
eye is peculiarly beautiful, soft, and sparkling: His hear- 
ing is quick; and his sense of smelling acute. When 
Jistening, he raises his head, erects his ears, and seems 
attentive to every noise which he can hear at a great 
distance. When he approaches a thicket, he stops to 
look round him on all sides, and attentively surveys every 
object near him : If the cunning animal perceive nothing 
to alarm him, he moves slowly forward; but, on the 
least appearance of danger, he flies off with the rapidity 
of the wind. He appears to listen with great tranquility 
and delight to the sound of the shepherd's pipe, which is 
sometimes made use of to allure the poor animal to its 
destruction. 

The Stag eats slowly, and is nice in the choice of his 
pasture. When his stomach is full, he lies down to 
chew the cud at leisure. This, however, seems to be 
attended with fjreater exertions than in the Ox or the 
Sheep; for the grass is not returned from the first sto- 
mach without violent straining, owing to the great length 
of his neck, and the narrowness of the passage. This ef- 
fort is made by a kind of hiccup, which continues during 
the time of his ruminating. 

The voice of the Stag is stronger and more quivering 
as he advances in age : In the rutting season, it is even 
terrible. That of the Hind is not so loud; and is sel- 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 1S9 

dom heard, but when excited by apprehension for herself 
or her young. 

The Stag has been said to be an uncommionly long 
lived animal; but later observations have fully confuted 
this unfounded opinion. It is a generally received max- 
im, that animals live seven times the number of years 
that bring them to perfection : Thus the Stag, being five 
or six years in arriving at muturity, lives seven times that 
number, or from thirty-five to forty years. 

The following fact, recorded in history, will serve to 
shew that the Stag is possessed of an extraordinary share 
of courage, when his personal safefy is concerned: — 
Some years ago, William, Duke of Cumberland, caused a 
Tyger and a Stag to be inclosed in the same area ; and 
the Stag made so bold a defence, that the Tyger was at 
length obliged to give up. 

The hunting of the Stag has been held, in all ages, 
a diversion of the noblest kimdj and former times bear 
witness of the great exploits performed on these occa- 
sions. In our island, large tracts of land were set apart 
for this purpose ; villages and sacred edifices were wan- 
tonly thrown down, and converted into one wide waste, 
that the tyrant of the day might have room to pursue his 
favourite diversion. In the time of William Rufus and 
Henry the First, it was less criminal to destroy one of the 
human species than a beast of chase. Happily for us^ 
these wide-extended scenes of desolation and oppression 
have been gradually contracted ; useful arts, agriculture, 
and commerce, have extensively spread themselves over 
the naked land; and these superior beasts of the chase 
have given way to other animals more useful to theconv- 
m unity. 



140 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

In the present etiltivated state of this country, there- 
fore, the Stag is almost unknown in its wild state. The 
few that remain are kept in parks among the Fallow^ 
deer, and are distinguished by the name o^ Red Deer. — Its 
viciousness during the rutting season, and the badness of 
its flesh, which is poor and ill-flavoured, have occasioned 
almost the extinction of the species. Some ^^w are yet 
to be found in the forests that border on Cornwall and 
Devonshire, on most of the large mountains of Ireland, 
and in the Highlands of Scotland, where Dr. Johnson 
describes them as not exceeding the Fallow-deer in size 
and their flesii of equal flavour. 

The Red Deer of this kingdonx are nearly of the same 
size and colour, without much variety : In other parts ot 
the world, they differ in form and size, as well as in 
their horns and colour of their bodies. 

THE CORSICA^ STAG, 

Is very small, not exceeding half the height of ours; his 
body is short and thick, his hair of a dark-brown colour, 
and his legs short. 




HISTORY OF 2^-^^^^^"^^^' 



14[1 




THE AXIS, OR GAMGES STAG. 
(LAxis, Buff.; 

This animal is an inhabitant of those immense plains 
of India watered by the river Ganges.— M. BufFon con- 
ciders it as a variety or shade between the Stag and the 
Fallow-deer. It is the size of the latter; but its horns 
are round, like those of the Stag; and it has no brow 
antlers. Its whole body is marked with white spots, ele- 
gantly disposed, and distinct from each other; the belly, 
inside of the thighs, and legs, are wlnte ; along the back 
there are two rows of spots, parallel to each other; those 
on the other parts of the body are irregular; the head 
and neck are gray; and the tail, which is red above and 
white beneath, is as long a«? that of the Fallows-dec 



14^ 



HISTORY OF QUADURPEDS- 



The continent of America abounds with StagSy and 
other animals of the Deer kind, in great variety. la 
some parts of that vast country, the inhabitants have 
domesticated them, and live chiefly upon the milk and 
cheese with which they supply them. 

Thus we find, that the same animal, which, in some 
parts, contributes only to the amusement of man, may, in 
others, be brought to supply his necessities. The stores 
of Nature are various and abundant : It is necessity alone 
that draws them out to supply our wants, and contribute 
to our comforts. 



S (mM 




HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



143 










THE FALLOW-BEER 



(Ccrims Dama, Lin. — Le Dain^ BufFJ 

The principal difference between the Stag and the 
Fallow-deer, seems to be in their size and in the form of 
their horns; the latter is much smaller than the former, 
and its horns, instead of being round, like those of the 
Stag, are broad, palmatedat the ends, and better garnish- 
ed with antlers: The tail is also much longer than that 
of the Stag, and its hair is brighter; in other respects 
they nearly resemble each other. 

The horns of the Fallow-deer are shed annually, like 
those of the Stag; but they fall off later, and are renew- 
ed nearly at the same time. Their ruttin"; season arrives 
fifteen days or three weeks after that of the Stag. The 



144 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

males then bellow frequently, but with a low and inter- 
rupted voice. They are not so furious at this season as 
the Stag, nor exhaust themselves by any uncommon ar- 
dour. They never leave their pasture in quest of the fe- 
males, but generally fight with each other, till one buck 
becomes master of the field. 

They associate in herds, which sometimes divide into 
two parties^ and maintain obstinate battles for the posses- 
sion of some favourite part of the park : Each party has 
its leader, which is always the oldest and strongest of the 
flock. They attack in regular order of battle ; they fight 
with courage, and mutually support each other ; they re- 
tire, they rall}^, and seldom give up after one defeat: 
The combat is frequently renewed for several days to- 
gether; till, after many defeats, the weaker party is 
obliged to give way, and leave the conquerors in posses- 
sion of the object of their contention. 

The Fallow-deer is easily tamed, feeds upon a variety 
of things which the stag refuses, and preserves its condi- 
tion nearly the same through the whole year, although 
its flesh is esteemed much finer at particular seasons. 

lliey are capable of procreation in their second year; 
and, like the Stag, are fond of variety. The female goes 
with young eight months; and produces one, sometimes 
two, and rarely three, at a time. They arrive at perfec- 
tion at the age of three years, and live till about twenty. 

We have in England two varieties of the Fallow-deer 
which are said to be of foreign origin: The beautiful 
spotted kind, supposed to have been brought from Ben- 
gal ; and the deep-brown sort, now common in this 
countrv. These last were introduced by King James the 
First, out of Norway ; where having observed their har- 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 345 

diness in bearing the cold of that severe climate, he 
brought some of them into Scotland, and from thence 
transported them into his chases of Enfield and Epping. 
Since that time they have multiplied exceedingly in ma- 
ny parts of this kingdom, which is now become' famous 
for venison of superior fatness and flavour to that of any 
other country in the world. 

The Fallow-deer, with some variation, is found m 
almost every country of Europe. Those of Spain are as 
large as Stags, but darker; their necks are also more 
slender; and their tails, which are longer than those of 
ours, are black above, and white beneath. 

In Guiana (a country of South America) according to 
Labat, there are Beer without horns, smaller than those 
of Europe, but resembling them in every other particular. 
They are very lively,' h'ght, and excessively timid; of a 
reddish colour ; with sharp, piercing eyes, and short tails. 
When pursued, they fly into places of difficult access. 
The natives frequently stand and watch for them in nar- 
row paths; and, as soon as the game appears within 
reach shoot them unperceived. Their flesh is considered 
as a great delicacy. 




14c> 



HISTORY OF C^UADVRFEDS. 











THE ROE- BUCK. 

-fCervus Capreoliis^ Lin. — Le Cltcvreuit, Buff.) 

The Roe was formerly eommon In many parts of Eng-- 
land and Wales ; but at present it is only to be found in 
the Highlands of Scotland, It is the smallest of all the 
Deer kind, being only three feet four inches long, and 
somewhat more than two feet in height: The horns are 
from eight to nine inches hnig, upright, round, and divi- 
ded into three braches ; the body is covered with long 
hair; the lower part of each hair is ash-colour; near the 
end is a narrow bar of black, and the point is yellow - 
the hairs on the face are black, tipped with ash-colour; 
the ears are long, their insides of a pale-yellow, and co- 
vered with long hair; the chest, beliy, legs, and the in- 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 147 

side of the thighs are of a yellowish-white s the rump is 
of a pure white, and the tail very short. 

The form of the Roe-buck is elegant, and its motions 
light and easy. It bounds seemingly without efiort, and 
runs with great swiftness. — When hunted, it endeavours 
to elude its pursuers by the most subtle artifices: It re- 
peatedly returns upon its former steps, till, by various 
Vv'indings, it has entirely confounded the scent. The 
cunning animal then, by a sudden spring, bounds to one 
side; and, lying close down upon its belly, permits the 
hounds to pass by, without offering to stir. 

They do not keep together in herds, like other Deer, 
but live in separate families. The sire, the dam, and the 
young ones, associate together, and seldom mix with 
others. 

Their rutting season continues but fifteen days, — from 
the latter end of October till about the middle of No- 
vember, During this period, they will not suffer the 
fawns to remain v^'ith them: The buck obliges them to 
retire, in order that the dam and her succeeding progeny 
may remain undisturbed. 

The female goes wiih young five months and a half 
and brings forth about the end of April, or beginning of 
May. On these occasions, she separates from the male, 
and conceals herself in the thickest and most retired part 
of the woods. She generally produces two fawns at a 
time, sonietimes three. In ten or twelve days these are 
able to follow their dam. When threatened with dan- 
ger, she hides them in a thicket; and, to preserve them, 
oilers herself to be chased: But, notwithstanding her 
care, she is trequcntlv robbed of her voung. Numbers 

K 2 



148 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

of fawns are found out and taken alive by the peasants; 
and many more are worried by dogs, foxes and other 
carnivorous animals. By these continual depredations, 
this beautiful creature is daily becoming more scarce; 
and, in many countries, where it once was common, the 
race is now wholly extinct. 

When about eight or nine months old, their horns be- 
gin to appear in the form of two knobs: The first year 
they are without antlers. They shed their horns the lat- 
ter end of autumn, and renew them in the winter; in 
which they differ from the Stag, whose horns fall off in 
the spring, and are renewed in summer. 

Thehfe of the Roe-buck seldom exceeds twelve or fif- 
teen years. 

They are very delicate in the choice of their food, 
and require a large tract of country, suited to the wild- 
ness of their nature, which can never be thoroughly sub- 
dued. No arts can teach them to be familiar with their 
keeper, nor in any degree attached to him. They are 
easily terrified; and, in their attempts to escape, v.-ill run 
with such force against the v>'alls of their inclosure, as 
sometimes to disable themselves: They are also subject 
to capricious fits of fierceness; and, on these occasions, 
will strike furiously with their horns and feet at the ob- 
ject of their dislike. 

Some years ago, one of these animals, after being 
hunted out of Scotland, through Cumberland, and various 
parts of the North of England, at last took refuge in the 
woody recesses bordering upon the banks of the Tyne, 
between Prudhoe Castle and Wylam. It was repeatedly 
seen and hunted, but no dogs were equal to its speed : 
It frequently crossed the river; and, either by swiftness 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 149 

or artifice, eluded all its pursuers. It happened, during 
the rigour of a severe winter, that, being pursued, it 
crossed the river upon the ice with some difficulty ; and, 
being much strained by its violent exertions, was taken 
alive. It was kept for some weeks in the house, and 
was then again turned out; but all its cunning and acti- 
vity were gone; it seemed to have forgotten the places of 
its former retreat; and, after running some time, it laid 
down in the midst of a brook, where it wa:s killed by the 
dogs. 

The flesh of the Roe-buck is fine and w^ll-tasted : 
That of the male, after the age of two years, is hard; 
the flesh of the females, though farther advanced in 
years, is more tender; When very young, it is loose 
and soft: but at the age ot eighteen months, is in its 
highest state of perfection. 

In America, the Roe-buck is much more common 
than in Europe. — In Louisiana, it is very large. — The in- 
habitants live chiefly upon its flesh, which is good and 
well-flavoured. 




K S 



150 



HISTORY OF gUADRUPEDS< 







THE CAMEL, 

(Camchs Bactrianus, lAn.—Le Chameau, Buff.) 

Possesses the various qualities of the Horse, the Cow, 
and the Sheep; and is to the Arabian, in a great mea- 
sure, what those useful creatures are to us. Its milk is 
rich and nourishing : and, being mixed with water, makes 
a wholesome and refreshing beverage, much used, by the 
Arabs in their journies; The flesh of young Camels is 
also an excellent and wholesome food. Their hair or 
fleece, which falls off entirely in the spring, is superior to 
that of any other domestic animal, and is made into very 
fine stuffs, for cloaths, coverings, tents, and other furni- 
ture. 

Possessed of his Camel, the Arabian has nothing either 
to want or to fear: In one day, he can perform a jour- 
ney of fifty leagues into the desert, where he is safe from 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 1^1 

^every enemy; for, without the aid of this useful animal, 
no person could pursue him amidst sandy desarts, where 
nothing presents itself to the eye but one uniform void, 
naked and solitary. 

The Arabian regards -the camel as the most precious 
gift of Heaven ; by the assistance of which he is enabled 
to subsist in those frightful intervals of Nature, which 
«erve him for an asylm-n, and secure his -independence. 

But it is not to the plundering Arab alone that the 
services of this useful quadruped are confined: In Tur- 
key, Persia, Barbary, and Egypt, every article of mer- 
chandise is carried by Camels. Merchants and travellers 
unite together, and form themselves into numerous bo- 
dies, called caravans, to prevent the insults of the Arabs. 
One of these caravans frequently consists of many thou- 
sands: the Camels are always more numerous than the 
men. Each Camel is loaded in proportion to his strength. 
At the command of their conductor, they lie down on 
their belly, with their legs folded under them, and in this 
posture receive their burdens. As soon as they are load- 
ed, they rise of their own accord, and will not suffer any 
greater weight to be imposed upon them than they can 
bear with ease; when overloaded, they set up the most 
piteous cries, till part of the burden be taken off. The 
common load of a camel is from three to four hundred 
weight; and the medium of the expence of the convey- 
ance for each hundred appears to be about one fai ihing 
per mile. The usual rate of travelling is three miles in 
the hour; and the number of hours that are actually em- 
ployed on the route, exclusive of those allotted to refresh- 
ment, is seldom mtDre than seven or eiglft in a day. Of 

K 4 



15^ HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

the number of days which are consumed in a long jour- 
ney, many are devoted to the purposes of occasional trade, 
recruiting the strength of the Camels, and procuring ad- 
ditional stores of provisions and water. — A particular 
mode of easy conveyance is provided for women and 
children, and for persons oppressed with infirmity or ill- 
ness: Six or eight Camels are yoked together in a row; 
and a number of tent poles are placed in parallel lines 
upon their backs: These are covered with carpets; and 
bags of corn are superadded to bring the floor to a level, 
as well as to soften the harshness of the Camel's move- 
ments: Other carpets are then spread, and the travellers 
sit or lie down with the most perfect ease. — The general 
food of the camels is such only as their nightly pasture 
affords; and is frequently confined to the hard and 
thorny shrubs of the desart, where a sullen kind of vege- 
tation is created by the rains of the winter, and sustained 
by the dew that descends in copious abundance through 
ail the remainder of the year. 

But the peculiar and distinguished characteristic of 
the Camel is, its faculty of abstaining from water for a 
greater length of time than any other animal ; for which 
Nature has made a wonderful provision, in giving it, be- 
sides the four stomachs which it has in common with 
other ruminating animals, a fifth bag, serving as a reser- 
voir for water, where it remains without corrupting or 
mixing wifh the other aliments. When the Camel is 
pressed with thirst, and has occasion for water to mace- 
rate its food while ruminating, it makes part of it pass 
into its stomach, by a simple contraction of certain mus- 
cles. By this singular structure, it can take a prodigious 
quantity of water at one draught, and is enabled to pass 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. I5g 

several days without drinklrig; Leo Afrlcanus says fif- 
teen. — Camels can discover water by their smell at half 
a league's distance; and, after a long abstinence, will 
hasten towards it, long before their drivers perceive 
where it lies; 

The feet of the Camel are peculiarly adapted to the 
soil on which it treads. On moist or slippery ground 
he cannot well support himself ; and his broad and ten- 
der feet are liable to be injured by the resistance of 
stones: But he is observed to tread with perfect ease and 
security on the dry and yielding sand; and whilst, from 
its peculiar structure, his hoof is incapable of fastening 
with any degree of security on the ground of a steep 
ascent or shelving declivity, his movements on a smooth 
and level surface are singularly firm and safe. 

Many attempts have been made to introduce this ser- 
viceable animal into other countries; but, as yet, none 
have succeeded. The race seems to be con&ned tp cer- 
tain districts, where its utility has been known for ages. 

Though a native of warm; climates, the Camel dreads 
those which are excessively hot: It can neither subsist in 
the burning heat of the torrid zone, nor in the milder air 
of the temperate. It seems to be an original native of 
Arabia; for, in that country, It is not only more nume- 
rous, but thrives better than in any other part of the 
world. 

There are two varieties of this animal, which have 
been distinguished previous to all historical record: That 
which Is called the Bactrian Cmnd has two hunches on 
Its back, and is found chiefly in Turkey and the coun- 
tries of the Levant; whilst the Arabian Camel has only 
one huncii. 



^5^ 



HISTORY OF gUADRUPEDS. 



^i^. 




THE ARABIAJY CAMEL, OR DROME- 
DART, 

(Camelus Dromedarius^ Lin.-— Le Dromedaire, Bufi.) 

Is common in Arabia and all the northern parts of Afri- 
ca, from the Mediterranean Sea to the river Niger; and 
is infinitely more numerous, and more generally diffused, 
than the Camel : It is also much swifter, and is therefore 
chiefly employed on business which requires dispatch. 

In Arabia, they are trained for running matches ; and 
in m^any places, for carrying couriers, who can go above 
a hundred miles a day on them, and that for nine or teff 
days together, over buring and uninhabitable desarts. 
They require neither whip nor spur to quicken their 
pace, but go freely, if gently treated j and are much en- 
livened by singing or the sound of the pipe, w^hich gives 
them spirits to pursue their journey. 

They are mild and g^.ntle at all times, except when 
they are in heat: At that period they are seized with a 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 155 

sort of madness; they eat little, and will sometimes ^U 
tempt to bite their masters ; so that it is not safe to ap- 
proach him. 

The camel arrives at its full strength at the age of six 
years, and lives forty or fifty. 

The fern, ales are not usually put to labour, but are al- 
]ow.ed to pasture and breed at full liberty. Their time 
of gestation is nearly twelve months; and they generally 
bring forth one at a birth. 



THE LAMA, 
(Camelus Glama, lAii.—Le Lama, Buffi) 

Is the Camel of Peru and Chili; and, before the con- 
quest of those countries by the Spaniards, was the only 
beast of burden known to the Indians. Its disposition is 
mild, gentle, and tractable. 

Before the introduction of Mules, these animals were 
used by the natives to plough the land, and now serve to 
carry burdens. They march slowly, and seldom accom- 
plish journies of more than four or five leagues a day ; 
but what they want in speed is made up by perseverance 
and industry. They travel long journies in countries im- 
passable to most other anim>als; are very sure-footed; 
and are much employed in transporting the rich ores, 
dug out of the mines of Potosi, over the rugged hills and 
narrow paths of the Andes : Bolivar remarks, that, in 
his time, three hundred thousand of them were constant- 
ly employed in this work. They lie down to be loaded. 



ISO HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

and, when weary, no blows can excite them to quicken 
their pace. They neither defend themselves with their 
feet nor their teeth. When angry, they have no other 
method of revenging injuries, but by spitting. They can 
throw out their saliva to tlie distance of ten paces : and 
if it fall on the skin it raises an itching, accompanied 
with slight inflammation. Their flesh is eaten, and said 
to be as good as mutton. 

Like the Camel, they have the faculty of abstaining 
long from water (sometimes four or five days) ; and, like 
that animal, their food is coarse and trifling. They are 
neither allowed corn nor hay ; green herbage, of v^hicli 
they eat very moderately, is sufficient for their nourish- 
ment. 

The wild Lamas, called Guanacos^ are stronger and 
more active than the domestic kind. They live in herds 
and inhabit the highest regions of the Cordelieres. They 
run with great swiftness in places of difficult access, 
where dogs cannot easily follow them. The most usual 
way of killing them is with the gun. They are hunted 
for the sake of their flesh and their hair: Of the latter 
the Indians make cloth. 

The Lama resembles the Camel in the^orm of its bo- 
dy, but is without the dorsal hunch : Its head is small 
and well shaped ; its neck long, and very protuberant 
near its junction with the body: in its domestic state 
its hair is short and smooth; when wild, it is coarse and 
long, of a yellowish colour: A black line runs along the 
top of the back, from the head to the tail. The tame 
ones vary in colour: Some of them are white, others 
black, others of a mixed colour^white, gray, and russet, 
dispersed in spots. Its tail is short : Its ears are four 



HISTORY OF ^^^ADRUPEDS, I57 

inches long: Its feet are cloven, like those of the Ox, 
and are armed behind with a spur, by which the ani- 
mal is enabled to support itself on rugged and difficult 
ground. The height of the Lama is about four feet^ 
and its length, from the neck to the tail, six feet. 



THE PACOS, 
(Caviclus PacoSy Lin. — Le Paco, Buff.) 

Very much resembles the Lama in figure, but is much 
sm-aller. Its body is covered with very fine long wool, 
of the colour of dried roses, or a dull purple : the belly 
is white : — They live in vast herds, and inhabit the most 
elevated parts of the highest mountains, where they en- 
dure the utmost rigour of frost and snow. They are ex- 
ceedingly swift; and so timid, that it is very difficult to 
come near them. 

The manner of taking them is singular. The Indians 
tie cords, with small pieces of wool or cloth hanging 
from them, across the narrow passes of the mountains, 
about three or four feet from the ground: They then 
drive a herd of these animals towards them, and they 
are so terrified by the flutter of the rags, that they dare 
not pass, but huddle together, and suffer themselves to 
be killed in great numbers. 

Their wool is a valuable article of commerce, and is 
made into gloves, stockings, bed-cloaths, carpets, &:c. 

The Pacos is domesticated; and, like the Lama, Is 
employed in carrying burdens, but caunot bear iriore 



158 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



than from fifty to seventy-five pounds; and is still more 
subject to capricious fits of obstinacy. When once they 
lie down with their load, no blows can provoke them to 
rise. 

The great advantages derived from the wool of these 
creatures, induced the Spaniards to attempt their intro- 
duction into Europe. Some of them were brought over 
to Spain; but, by not sufficiently attending to the neces- 
sity of placing them in situations similar to those which 
they had always been accustomed to, the experiment 
proved unsuccessful. 




HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 359 

THE HOG KIIfD. 

Animals of the Hog kind seem to possess a middle 
nature, between those that live upon grass and such as 
are carnivorous, and unite in themselves most of those 
distinctions which are peculiar to each class. Like the 
one, they will feed on animal substances, and do not ru- 
minate; like the other, they are cloven-hoofed, live 
chiefly on vegetables, and seldom seek after animal food, 
except when urged by necessity. 

The most numerous breed of Hogs in this island Is 
that generally known by the name of the Berkshire Figs ^ 
now spread through almost every part of England, and 
some parts of Scotland. They are in general of a red- 
dish-brown colour, with black spots upon them; have 
large ears hanging over their eyes; are short-legged, 
small-boned, and are readily made fat. Some of these 
have been fed to almost an incredible size. Mr. Culley 
in his Treatise on Live Stock, gives an account of one 
that was killed at Congieton, in Cheshire, which mea- 
sured, from the nose to the end of tlie tail, three yards 
eight inches; in height, it was four feet and a half; and 
weighed, after it was killed, eighty-six stones eleven 
pounds, avolrdupolse. 

The Hog species, though very numerous, and diffused 
over Europe, Asia, and Africa, did not exist in Ame- 
rica, till transported thither by the Spaniards. In ma- 
ny places they have multiplied exceedingly, and become 
wild. They resemble the domestic Hog; but their bo- 
dies arc shorter, and their snout and skin thicker. 



i6o 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



-^^".y^V §^'^^^ 




.THE WILD-BOAR, 
fSus Aper^ Lin. — Le Sa ng Her , Buff.) 



Which is the original of all the varieties to be found in 
this creature, is much smaller than those of the domestic 
kind, and does not, like them, vary in colour, but is uni- 
formly of a brinded or dark-gray, inclining to black. — 
His snout is longer than that of the tame Hog ; and his 
ears are short, round, and black. He is armed with for- 
midable tusks in each jaw, which serve him for the dou- 
ble purpose of annoying his enemy, or procuring his food 
which is chiefly roots and vegetables : Some of these tusks 
are almost a foot long: Those in the upper jaw bend up- 
wards in a circular form, and are exceedingly sharp at 
the points ; those of the under jaw are always most to be 
dreaded, for with them the animal defends himself, and 
frequently gives mortal wounds. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. l6l 

Wild Boars are not gregarious; but, while young, live 
together in families, and frequently unite their forces 
against the wolves, or other beasts of prey. When likely 
to be attacked, they call to each other with a very loud 
and fierce note: The strongest face the danger, and form 
themselves into a ring, the weakest falling into the cen- 
ter. In this position, few beasts dare venture to engage 
them, but leave them to pursue a less dangerous chase. 
— When the Wild-boar is arrived at a state of maturity, 
he walks the forest alone and fearless. At that time he 
dreads no single foe ; nor will he turn out of his way 
even for man himself. He offends no animal; at the 
same time he is furnished with arms, which render him 
a terror to the fiercest. 

The hunting of the Wild boar is a dangerous but 
com^mon amusement of the great in those countries 
where it is to be found. The Dogs chiefly used for this 
vsport are of a slow and heavy kind. — When the boar is 
roused, he goes slowly forward, not much afraid, nor 
very far before his pursuers. He frequently turns round, 
stops till the hounds come up, and offers to attack them. 
After keeping each other at bay for a while, the Boar 
again goes slowly forward, and the Dogs renew the pur- 
suit. In this manner the chase is continued till the Boar 
becomes quite tired, and refuses to go any farther: The 
Dogs then attempt to close in upon him from behind ; 
and in this attack the young one, being generally the 
most forward, frequently lose their lives : The old sea- 
soned Dogs keep the animal at bay until the hunters 
come up, who kill him with their spears. 

L 



162 



HISTORY OF QVADKUPEDS. 




THE COMMOM BOAR, 

(Siis Scrofa^ Lin. — Le Cadion, Buff.) 

Is, of all other domestic quadrupeds, the most filthy and 
impure. Its form is clumsy and disgusting, and its ap-- 
petite gkittonaus and excessive. — In no instance has na- 
ture more conspicuously shewn her ceconomy thaq in this 
iace of animals, whose stomachs are fitted to receive nu- 
trim.ent from a variety of things that would be otherwise 
wasted : The refuse of the field, the garden, the barn, or 
the kitchen, affords them a luxuriant repast. 

Useless during life, and only valuable when deprived 
of it, this animal has been sometimes compared to a mi- 
ser, whose hoarded treasures are of little value till death 
has deprived them of their rapacious owner. 

The parts of this animal are finely adapted to its mode 
of living. Nature has given it a form more prone than 
that of other animals. Its neck is strong and brawny; 
its snout is long and callous, well calculated for the pur- 
pose of turning up the earth for roots of various kinds. 



HIST0RY OF QUADRUPEDS. I63 

of which it is extremely fond ; and it has a quick sense 
of sn^lling, by^ which it is enabled to trace out its food. 
It is naturally stupid, inactive, and drowsy j much in- 
clined to increase in fat, which is disposed in a different 
manner from that of other animals, and forms a thick 
and regular coat between the flesh and the skin. It is 
restless at a change of weather; and, during certain high 
■winds, is so agitated, as to run violently, screaming hor- 
ribly at the same time. It appears to foresee the ap- 
proach of bad weather, as it previously carries straw in 
its mouth to its sty,^ prepares a bed, and seems endea- 
vouring to hide itself from the impending storm. 

Linnseus observes, that the fiesh of the Hog is a 
wholesome^ food for those that use much exercise, but 
bad for such as lead a sedentary life. It is of universal 
use, and makes in various ways a constant article in the 
elegancies of the table. It isof great importance to this 
country, as a commercial nation; for it takes salt better 
than any other kind, and consequently is capable of be- 
ing preserved longer: It is therefore of great use ia 
ships, and makes a principal part of the provisions of the 
British navy. 

The dom.estic Sow generally brings forth twice a year 
and produces from ten to twenty at a litter; she goes 
four months with young, and brings forth in the fifth. 
At that time she must be carefully watched, to prevent 
her from devouring her young: Stiil greater attention is 
necessary to keep off the male, as he would destroy the 
whok litter. 



L 2 



l64 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




SOW OF THE IMPROVED BREED.. 

By a mixture of the Chinese black Swine with others- 
of the larger British breed, a kind has been produced 
"which possesses many qualities superior to either of the 
original stocks. They are very prolific, are sooner made 
fat than the larger kind, upon less provisions, and cut up 
when killed to more useful and convenient portions. 

Gur figure was taken from a Sow of this kind in the 
possession of Arthur Mowbray, Esq. of Sherburn, in the 
county of Durham. She had a litter of nineteen pigs to 
support at the tim.e, which was the third within ten 
months: The whole am.ounted at that time, to fifty 
pigs. 

The Chinese or black breed are now very common in 
England. They are smaller, have shorter legs, and their 
fiesh is whiter and sweeter than the common kind. 

A kind similar to this were those found in New Gui- 
nea, which proved so seasonable a relief to our circum- 
navigators, when that country was first visited by them. 



HI&TORY 0;F QUADRUPEDS. 



165 



There are likewise great numbers of them in the Friend- 
ly and Society Isles, the Marquesas, and many other of 
the newly-discovered islands in the South Seas. These 
are fed with plaintains, bread fruit, and yams, and are 
-exceedingly fat. They are frequently seen by the na- 
tives in their canoes, swimming from one island to ano- 
ther, and killed by them with lances and arrows. 

Another breed of Swine has lately been introduced in- 
to this kingdom, which is expected to rival or excel all 
the others: The original stock was produced from a Wild- 
Boar brought from America, and a sow of the improved 
Chinese breed. The Sows are extremely prolific, and 
the colour of the pigs in general is most fancifully diver- 
sified; some are striped longitudinally, with brown and 
t)lack; others, brown and blue; and others, with black 
and white. The colour of the Boar was a rusty-brown. 




L3 



166 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




THE^CHIJSrESE KIJ^D. 

An unceasing attention to improvement has produced 
or new-modelled the Chinese breed in this country to 
what is deemed to be nearer perfection. The delicacy of 
appearance, the thin transparent ears, small head, short 
s r.all legs, and even the colour of the hair, are all consi- 
dered as requisite qualities which ought to be attended to 
in this kind. They are seldom fed for the same purposes 
as the larger kinds of swine, being accounted too small 
for be'ng dried into bicon ; but they are preferred as the 
best and most delicate mr pork and roasting pigs. 

Our figure was taken from one of this description in 
the possession of Geo. Baker, Esq. of Elemore, in the 
county of Durham. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



1^7 




TEE AFRICAM JVILD-BOAR, OR 
F/OOD-SWIME, 

fSus JEthiopicus, Lin. — SangUcr du Cap Verd, Buft) 

Lives in a wild, uncultivated state, in the hottest parts of 
Africa. It is a very vicious animal, and quick in all its 
motions. It is as dangerous to attack one of them as a 
Lion: For, though much smaller, it rushes upon a man 
as sw^i^ft as an arrow; and throwing him down before he 
has time to strike with his javelin, breaks his legs, and 
almost at the same instant rips up his belly. 

It has four tusks: Two very large ones proceed from 
the upper jaw, and turn upwards like a horn; they are 
nine inches long, and full five inches round at the base; 
the two other tusks, which come from the lower jaw, 
project but three inches from the mouth. These tusks 
the animal makes use of as the dreadful instruments of 
bis vcngrcance. He will attack a man on horseback, if 



168 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

he should venture to come too near him ; and, jfirst break- 
ing the Horse's legSj kills both him and the rider. 

Sparrman describes it as being of a bright-yellow co- 
lour, like the domestic kind. lis nose is broad, flat, and 
of a horny hardness ; its head is very large, in proportion 
to the size of its body; underneath each eye it has a 
great lobe or wattle, lying almost horizontally, broad, 
fl9t, rounded at the end, and placed so as to intercept 
the view of any thing, immediately beneath it; the ears 
are large an4 sharp-pointed, lined on the inside W'ith long 
whitish hairs; its tail is slender and flat, and when the 
animal is pursued it always holds it quite erect. 

They live in holes under ground, the avenues to which 
are exceedingly narrow. The natives seldom, dare attack 
them in their retreats, as there is always danger of their 
rushing, out unawares. When pursued with their young 
ones, it is no uncommon thing to see them take them up 
in their mouths, and run with them in that manner at a 
great rate. 

From the shortness of their necks, they frequently fall 
on their knees to feed ; and change this posture to that 
of standing with the greatest ease. 

The flesh of this animal is good, and very mi^ch re- 
sembles that of the common Hog. 




HISTORY PF QUADRUPEDS. 



169. 







THE PECCARY OR MEXICAN HOG, 

fSus Tajacu, Lin.) 

Inhabits the hottest parts of South-America, where the 
species is very numerous: Herds, consisting of two or 
three hundred, are sometimes to be seen together. — -It is 
very fierce, and will fight stoutly with beasts of prey, 
when attacked by them. The Jaguar, or American Leo- 
pard, is its mortal enemy, and frequently loses its life in 
engaging a number of these animals. They assist each 
other, surround their enemies, and often come off victo-^ 
rious. 

They live chiefly in mountainous places, and are not 
fond of wallowing in the mire, like the common Hog. 
They feed on fruits, roots, and seeds: They likewise eat 
serpents, toads, and lizards; and are very dexterous in 
first taking off the skins with their fore feet and teeth. 

The Peccary in appearance resembles thciiog, though 
somewhat smaller: Its body is covered with strong bris- 
tles, whiA, when the creature is irritated, rise up like 



170 HISTORY 6F gUADRUPSDS. 

the prickles of a Hedgehog, and are nearly as strong ; 
they are of a dusky colour, with alternate rings of white ; 
across the shoulders to the breast there is a band of 
white; its' head is short and thick; it has two tusks in 
each jaw; its ears are small and erect ; and instead of a 
tail it has a small fleshy protuberance, which does not 
cover its posteriors. It differs most essentially from the 
Hog, in having a small oritice on the lower part of the 
back, from whence a thin watery humour, of a most dis- 
agreeable smeli, flows very copiously. In the Philosophi- 
cal Transactions, Dr, Tyson has described this^prifice 
very minutely, as well as some other peculiarities in the 
conformation of its stomach and intestines. 

Like the Hog, the Peccary is very prolific. The 
young ones, if taken at first, are easily tamed, and soon 
Jose all their natural ferocity; but can never be brought 
to discover any signs of attachment to those that feed 
them. They do no mischief, and may be allowed to run 
about at pleasure. Theyseldom stray far from home, 
and return of their own accord. When angry, they 
grunt like the Hog, but much stronger and harsher; and 
when suddenly alarmed, make a sharp noise with their 
breath, and erect their bristles. 

The flesh of the Peccary, though drier and leaner than 
that of our Hog, is by no means disagreeable, and may 
be greatly improved by castration. When killed the 
dorsal gland must be immediately cut off. If this ope- 
ration be deferred for the space of half an hour, the flesh 
becomes utterly unfit to be eaten. 

Although the European Hog is common in America, 
and in many parts has become wild, the Peccary has ne- 
ver been kuovvn to breed with it. They frec^ently go 



HISTORY OF gUADRUPEDS. I7I 

together, and feed in the same woods; but hitherto no 
intermediate breed has been known to arise from their 
intercourse^ 

M. de la Borde describes two kinds of this animal, — 
one smaller than the other. — He relates, that being one 
day engaged with some others in hunting a drove of Pec- 
caries, they were surrounded by them, and obliged to 
take refuge upon a piece of rock; and, notwithstanding 
they kept up a constant fire among them, the creatures 
did riot retire till a great number of them were slain. 




172 HISTORY Qr gUADRUPEDS. 




^^E 




ll^ 


^^,% 


-^3 


^^^^ 



THE BABIROUSSA, 

(Sus Bahyroussa^ Lin. — Le Babyroussai EufF.) 

Though classed by naturalists with the Hog kind, differs 
from animals of that species in a variety of particulars: 
Its legs are longer, and its body more slender; it is co- 
vered with short hair as soft as wool, and of a dark-gray 
colour, mixed with red; its ears are short and pointed; 
its tail is long, tufted at the end, and twisted. Its most 
distinguishing characteristic consists in four large tusks, 
the two stoutest of which proceed, like those of the Wild- 
Boar, from the under jaw, pointing upwards, and stand- 
ing near eight inches out of the sockets; the two others 
rise up like horns on the outside of the upper jaw, just 
above the nose, and extend in a curve above the ty^s, 
almost touching the forehead, and are twelve inches in 
length. These tusks are of the most beautiful ivory, but 
not so hard as those of the Elephant. 

The Babiroussa abounds in several of the islands of the 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 17^ 

East-Indies, particularly Buero, a small isle near Ara- 
boyna. 

It is easily tamed; and its flesh is well tasted. It lives 
on leaves of trees and other vegetables. Its scent is ex- 
quisite: It can discover the approach of Dogs at a dis- 
tance. When closely pursued, it plunges into the sea, 
swims and dives with great facility from one island to 
another, and by that means frequently escapes from its 
pursuers. 

They live in herds; and, when any number of them 
are together, their odour is so strong, that the dogs can 
scent them at a considerable distance, ¥/hen attacked, 
they growl frightfully, and defend themselves with their 
under tusks: The upper ones are serviceable to them in 
taking their repose, by hooking them on the branches of 
trees.. 




174 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




THE LONG'JVOSED TAPIIR, 

(Hippopotamus Terrestrisy Lin. — Le Tapir, Buff.) 

Is the Hippopotamus of the new world, and has by some 
authors been mistaken for that animal. It inhabits the 
woods and rivers on the eastern side of South America, 
from the isthmus of Darien to the river of the Amazons. 
— It is a solitary animal, sleeps during the day, and goes 
out in the night in search of food; lives on grass, su- 
gar-canes, and fruits. If disturbed, it takes to the water, 
swims with great ease, or plunges to the bottom ; and, 
like the Hippopotamus, walks there as on dry ground. 
It is about the size of a small Cow: Its nose is long 
and slender, and extends far below the upper jaw, form- 
ing a kind of proboscis, which it can contract or extend 
at pleasure ; each jaw is furnished with ten cutting teeth, 
and as many grinders ; its ears are small and erect ; its 
body formed like that of a Hog; its back arched; legs 
short; and hoofs, of which it has four upon each foot. 



HISTORY OF 2UADRUP15DS. 



175 



small, black, and hollow ; its tail is very small j its hair 
short, and of a dusky-brown colour. 

The Tapiiris mild and inoffensive, avoids all hostilities 
with other animals, and flies from every appearance of 
danger. Its skin, of which the Indians make bucklers, is 
very thick ; and, when dried, is so hard as to resist the 
impression of an arrow. The natives eat its flesh, which 
is said to be very good. 




■ THE RHIJVOCEROS, 

(Rhinoceros Unicornis, Un.—Rldnoccros, BufF.V 

We are indebted to the labours of many learned and 
ingenious naturalists for accurate descriptions of this 
wonderful creature, which in size is only exceeded by 
the Elephant, and in strengh and power is Inferior to no 
other animal. Bontius says, that in the bulk of its body 
it equals the Elephant, but is lower oiily on account o^ 
the shortness of its legs. 



176 HISTORY OF gUADRU'PEDS. 

The length of the Rhinoceros, from the extremity of 
the muzzle to the insertion of the tail, is usually twelve 
feet ; and the circumference of its body nearly equal to 
its length. Its nose is armed with a formidable weapon, 
peculiar to this creature, being a very hard and solid 
horn, with which it defends itself from every adversary. 
The Tiger will rather attack the Elephant, whose trunk 
it can lay hold of, than the Rhinoceros, w^hich it cannot 
face, without danger of having its bowels torn out. 

The body and limJos of the Rhinoceros are covered 
with a skin so hard and impenetrable, that he fears nei- 
ther the claws of the Tiger, nor the more formidable 
proboscis of the Elephant : It will turn the edge of a sci- 
mitar, and even resist the force of a musket-Ball. The 
skin which is of a blackish colour forms itself into large 
folds at the neck, the shoulders, and the crupper, by 
wmich the motion of the head and limbs is facilitated ; 
round the neck, which is very short, are two large folds j 
there is also a fold from the shoulders, which hangs down 
upon the fore legs ; and another from the hind part of 
the back to the thighs: The body is every where cover- 
ed with small tuberosities or knots, which are small on 
the neck and back, but larger on the sides : The thighs, 
legs, and even the feet, are full of those incrustations, 
which have been mistaken for scales by some authors: 
They are, however, only simple indurations of the skin, 
without any uniformity in their figure, or regularity in 
their position. Between the folds, the skin is penetrable 
and delicate, as soft to the touch as silk, and of a light 
liesh colour: The skin of the belly is nearly of the same 
colour and consistency. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 177 

The body of the Rhinoceros is long and thick : Its 
belly is large^ and hangs near the ground; its legs short, 
round, and very strong; and its hoofs are divided into 
three parts, each pointing forward. The head of this 
animal is large; its ears long and erect; and its eyes 
small, sunk, and without vivacity : The upper lip is long, 
overhangs the lower, and is capable of great extension: 
It is so pliable, that the Rhinoceros can move it from 
side to side, twist it round a stick, collect its food, or 
seize with it any thing it would carry to its mouth. 

The Rhinoceros, without being ferocious, carnivorous, 
or even extremely wild, is, however, totally untractable 
and rude. It seems to be subject to paroxysms of fury, 
which nothing can appease. That which Emanuel, king 
of Portugal, sent to the Pope in the year 1513, destroyed 
the vessel in Vv^iich they were transporting it. 

Like the Hog, the Rhinoceros is fond of wallowing in 
the mire. — ^It is a solitary animal, loves moist and marbhy 
grounds, and seldom quits the banks of the rivers.— It is 
found in Bengal, Siam, China, and other countries of 
Asia; in the isles of Java, Sumatra, Ceylon &c ; in 
Ethiopia, and the country as low as the Cape of Good 
Hope: But, in general, the species is not numerous, and 
is much less diffused than that ofthe Elephant. 

The female produces but one at a time, andat consi- 
derable intervals. — During the first month, the young 
Rhinoceros exceeds not the size of a large dog. At the 
age of two years, the horn is not more than an inch 
long; at six years old, it is nine or ten inches long; and 
grows to the length of three feet and a half, and some- 
times four feet. The horn is much esteemed by the na- 

L 



IjB HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

lives as an antidote against poison, as well as a remedy 
for particular diseases. 

The Rhinoceros feeds on the grossest herbs, and pre- 
fers thistles and shrubs to soft or delicate pasturage. It 
is fond of the sugar-cane, and eats all kinds of grain. 

Dr. Parsons remarks, that this animal has an acute and 
very attentive ear. It will listen, with a deep and long 
continued attention, to any kind of noise; and, though it 
be eating, lying down, or obeying any pressing demands 
of Nature, it will raise its head, and listen till the noise 
cease. 

From the peculiar construction of his eyes, the Rhi- 
noceros can only see what is immediately before him. 
When he pursues any object, he proceeds always in a 
direct line, overturning every obstruction. With the 
horn on his nose, he tears up trees, raises stones, and 
throws them behind him to a considerable distance. His 
sense of smiclling is so exquisite, that the hunters are 
obliged to avoid being to windward of him. They fol- 
low him, at a distance and watch till he lies down to 
sleep : They then approach with great precaution, and 
discharge their muskets all at once into the lower part of 
the belly. 

The Rhinoceros is supposed to be the Unicorn of holy 
writ, and possesses all the properties ascribed to that ani- 
mal. — rage, untameableness, great swiftness, and im- 
mense strength. — It was known to the Romans in very 
early times, and is handed down to us in some of the 
works of that celebrated people. Augustus introduced 
one into the shews, on his triumph over Cleopatra. 

Ics flesh is eaten and much relished by the natives of 
India and Africa. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



179 




THE TWO-HORMED RHUYOCEROS. 



(Rhinoceros Bicornis, Lin.) 

We have given the figure of this hitherto undescribed 
animal from Mr Sparrman^ whose authenticity there is 
every reason to depend upon, and who has given a most 
exact anatomical description of it. Of two that were 
shot, he only mentions the size of the smaller of them ; 
which was eleven feet and a half long, seven feet high, 
and twelve in circumference,, Its skin was without any 
folds, and of an ash colour; excepting about the groin, 
where it was liesh-coloured : The surface was scabrous, 
and knotty, of a close texture, and, when dry, extremely 
hard. There were no hairs on any part of the body, ex- 
cept the edges of the ears and the tip of the tail, on 
which were a few dark bristly hairs^ about an inch long. 

M 2 



l8b HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

The horns are placed one behind the other, in a line 
with the nose: The foremost of them measures about 
eighteen inches in length, and is always the larger of the 
two. They are of a conical shape, and the tips incline a 
little backward; the lower parts are rough, and seem as 
if composed of thorny fibres ; the upper parts are smooth 
and plain, like those of an ox. It is remarkable, that 
the Rhinoceros makes use of the shorter horn only for 
the purpose of digging up roots, of which its food chiefly 
consists, being endued with the power of turning the 
larger horn on one side out of the way. — The feet are 
round and do not spread much ; there are three hoofs on 
each of them, which project but little; the middle one 
ig the longest. 

The eyes of this animal are small, and sunk into its 
head; in consequence of which it sees indistinctly. But 
its organs of hearing and smelling are very acute : At the 
least noise, the creature takes the alarm, pricks up its 
ears, and listens with gerat attention: If it happen to 
catch the scent of any person within a small distance, it 
rushes out with astonishing rapidity; and it is difficult to 
avoid the impetuous attack of this powerful animal. 

It has been generally said of the Rhinoceros, that its 
tongue is so hard and rough, as to take away the skin an4. 
flesh wherever it licks any person that has unfortunately 
fallen a victim to its fury. Mr Sparrman says, however, 
that he thrust his hand into the mouth of one that had 
just been shot, and found the tongue perfectly soft and 
smooth. — From the account of its intestines, given us by 
the same ingenious author, we shall just mention the fol- 
lowing, which will enable our readers to form a more 
perfect idea of its enormous bulk: The stomach was 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. l8l 

four feet in length, and two in diameter -, to which was 
annexed a tube or canal, twenty-eight feet long, and six 
inches diameter; the kidnies were a foot and a half in 
breadth; the heart was a foot and a half long, and near- 
ly the same in breadth; the liver, when measured from 
right to \€^h, was found to be three feet and a half in 
breadth, and two feet and a half deep, as it hangs in the 
animal's body w^hen in a standing position: It had no 
gall-bladder, in which it resembles the Horse. Upon 
opening the stomach, the contents of it were found to 
consist of roots and small branches of trees masticated, 
some of which were as big as the end of a man's finger; 
in the mass there^ppeared a, great .quantity,.Gf succulent 
plants, as well as some that were harsii and prickly : The 
e^l^vium arising from this mass was so far from being 
offensive, that it diffused around a very strong and not 
disagreeable aromiatic odour. We shall conclude this ac- 
count by observing, that the cavity which contained the 
brains was srpall, being only six inches long, and four 
high, and of an oval shape: Being filled with pease, it 
was found to contain barely one quart; a human skull, 
measured at the same time, did not require much less 
than three pints to fill it. 




HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




^2^J5^^ 



-^^^^msMi^^^^mjE 



^^SSSQ^^^ 




THE HIPPOPOTAMUS, 



f Hippopotamus Amphibius Ylm^-^LHIippopotame, BufF.) 

The great difficulties that have always attended a com- 
plete investigation of this huge animal, have arisen as 
well from the remoteness of its situation, as from its pe- 
culiar habits and disposition. 

Though the Hippopotamus has been celebrated from 
the remotest antiquity; though the sacred writings men- 
tion him under the mmeof Behemoih; and though his fi- 
gure is to be seen engraven on Egyptian obelisks and on 
Roman medals, yet his history was very imperfectly 
known to the ancients. Aristotle says, that he has a 
mane like a Horse, and hoofs like an Ox; tusks and tail 
like a Boar; that he is of the size of an Ass, and has the 
voice of a Horse; with other things equally absurd;— 
all which Pliny has copied; and instead of correcting, 
has added to the number of his errors. — Of the accounts 
of later writers, it is much to be lamented that suitable 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. . lB$ 

delineations have not accompanied their accurate descrip* 
tions,— a general defect, by which the study of nature 
has been much retarded, the laborious researches of ma- 
ny learned and ingenious naturalists greatly frustrated, 
and the errors of former times repeatedly copied, and 
multiplied without number. 

The size of the Hippopotamus is nearly equal to that 
of the Elephant. M. Vailjant says, that one w^hich he 
killed, measured, from the tip of the nose to the insertion 
of the tail, ten feet seven inches, and was, eight feet ele- 
ven inches in circumference; but, from the smallness of 
its tusks, he supposed it to be a young one. In its sto- 
mach were found leaves and reeds, grossly chewed ; like- 
wise small branches of trees, a little bruised. 

It inhabits all the larger rivers of Africa, from the Ni- 
ger to the Cape of Good Hope ; but is found in none of 
the African rivers that run into the Mediterranean, ex- 
cept the Nile, and in that part of it only which runs 
through the Upper Egypt, and in the fens and lakes of 
Ethiopia. 

The head of this animal is enormously large ^^ its 
mouth vastly wide. Ray says, that the upper mandible 
is moveable, like that of a crocodile. In each jaw there 
are four cutting teeth ; those in the lower jaw point 
straight forward: It has four large tusks; the largest, 
which are always in the lower jaw, are sometimes above 
two feet long: It is said that the canine teeth are so 
hard, as to emit fire on being struck with steel; they are 
perfectly white, and preferable to ivory for making arti- 
ficial teeth ; The grinders are square or oblong, like 
those of a man; and so large, that a single tooth weighs 

M 4 



l84 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

above three pounds : The skin is of a dusky colour, bears 
a re^mbtance to that of the Rhinoceros, but is thicker, 
arid is made into whips : The tail is nearly a foot long, 
taper, and flatted at the end, which is thinly furnished 
with hairs like bristles: Its legs are so short, that its belly 
almost touches the ground: The hoofs are divided into 
four parts, unconnected by membrances. 

When alarmed or pursued, it takes to the water, 
plunges in, and sinks to the bottom; where it walks at 
full ease. It often rises to the surface, and remains with 
its head out of the water, making a bellowing noise^ 
which may be heard at a great distance.— It feeds during 
night on the banks of the rivers, and sometimes does 
great damage in the adjacent plantations of rice and 
other grain. 

The Hippopotamus is naturally mild and gentle, very 
slow, and heavy in its movements upon land, but in the 
water bold and active ^ and, when provoked or wounded, 
will rise, and attack boats or canoes with great fury. 
Dampiersays, he has known one of these animals sink a 
boat full of people, by biting a hole in the bottom with 
its tusks. — The method of taking it is by digging pits m 
the sand, in those parts through which the animal passes 
in its way to the river after it has been feeding. 

The flesh of the Hippopotamus is tender and good: 
The fat is fine and well-tasted, and much in request with 
the colonists at the Cape, who look upon it as the most 
wholesome meat that can be eaten: The gelatinous part 
of the feet in particular is accounted a great delicacy: 
The tongue, when dried, is also considered at the Cape 
as a rare and excellent dish. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPED^. I85. 

Sparrman has given an engraving of this animal, taken 
from a young one which he caught at the Cape, from 
which ours is copied.— The female brings forth one 
young at a time. 

Scaurus treated the Romans with one of these crea- 
tures, and five crocodiles during his ^dileship, and ex- 
hibited them on a temporary lake, 




iS6 



HISTORY -OF QUADJIUPEDS, 







THE ELEPHAMT, 
(Elephas Maximiis^ Lin. — UElephant, BuffJ 

Of all the creatures that have hitherto been taken intp 
the service of man, the Elephant is pre-eminent in the 
size and strength of his body, and inferior to none in sa- 
gacity and obedience. 

From time immemorial this animal has been employed 
either for the purposes of labour, of war, or of ostenta- 
tious parade; to increase the grandeur of eastern princes, 
extend their power, or enlarge their dominions. 

The Elephant is a native of Asia and Africa, and is 
not to be found in its natural state either in Europe or 
America. From the river Senegal to the Cape of Good 
Hope, they are met with in great numbers. In this ex- 
tensive region, as they are more numerous than in any 
other part of the world, so are they less fearful of man. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, iS? 

The savage inhabitants of this dreary country, instead of 
attempting to subdue this powerful animal, and render it 
subservient to their necessities, seem desirous only of a- 
voiding its fury. 

Sparrman says, that in the -country near the Cape they 
are sometimes seen in large herds, consisting of many 
hundreds; and thinks it probable, that, in tlie more re- 
mote and unfrequented parts of that vast country, they 
are still more numerous. 

They are frequently hunted by the colonists at the 
Cape, who. are very expert in shooting them, and make 
great advantage of their teeth. The largest teeth weigh 
an hundred and fifty Dutch pounds, and are sold to the 
governor for as many guilders; so that a man may earn 
three hundred guilders at one shot. It is not therefore 
to be wondered at, that a traffic so lucrative should tempt 
the hunter to run great risks. In approaching this ani- 
mal great care must be taken to steal upon him unper- 
ceived. If the Elephant discovers his enemy near, he 
rushes out, and endeavours to kill him. One of these 
hunters being out upon a plain, under the shelter of a 
few scattered thorn trees, thought he could be able to 
advance near enough to shoot an Elephant that was at a 
little distance from him; but he was discovered, pursued 
and overtaken by the animal, which laid hold of him 
with his trunk, and beat him instantly to death. 

The height of the Elephant at the Cape is from twelve 
to fifteen feet. The female is less than the male, and 
her tusks do not grow to such a size. 

In proportion to the size of the Elephant, his eyes are 
very small; but they are lively, brilliant, and capable of 
great expression. Pie turns them slowly, and with gen- 



1,1^ HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

tleness towards his master. When he speaks, the ani- 
mal regards him with an eye of mildness and attention. 
-r-His ears are very large, and much longer, in propor- 
tion to his body, than those of the Ass: They lie flat on 
the head, and are commonly pendulous; but he can raise 
and move them with great facility, and frequently uses 
them as a fan to cool himself, or defend his eyes from 
dust and insects. His hearing is likewise remarkably 
iine ; for he delights in the sound of musical instru -rents, 
and moves in cadence to the trumpet and tabor.— There 
are four grinders in each jaw, closely united together; 
forming, with the jaw-bone, one hard and compaptbody. 
One of these grinders sometimes measures nine inches 
broad, and weighs four pounds and a half. The texture 
of the skin is uneven, wrinkled, and knotty,; full of deep 
fissures, nearly, resembling the bark of an old oak tree, 
which run in all directions over its surface. It is of a 
tawny colour, inclining to citron. In the fissures therQ 
are some bristly hairs, which are also thinly scattered 
over the body. The legs resemble m.assy columns, of 
fifteen or eighteen inches diameter, and from five to six 
feet high. The foot is short, and divided into five toes., 
covered with the skin, so as not to be visible. To each 
toe there is affixed a nail or hoof, of a horny substance. 
The most remarkable feature of the Elephant is his 
trunk or proboscis; which is composed of membranes, 
nerves, and muscles. It is both an organ of feeling and 
©f motion. The animal can not only move and bend it, 
but can contract, lengthen, and turn it in every direction. 
The extremity of the trunk terminates in a protuberance 
which stretches out on the upper side in the form of a 
finger, and possesses in a great degree the niccness and 



HISTORY OP ^gUADRUPEfiS. I'S^ 

dexterity of that useful member. It is equally flexible, 
and as capable of laying hold of objects as the fingers 6( 
a man. He lifts from the ground the smallest piece of 
money; he selects herbs and flowers, and picks them up 
one by one; he unties the knots of ropes, opens and 
shuts gates, &:c. With his trunk he grasps any body 
which it is applied to, so firmly, that no force can tear it 
from its gripe. 

Of all the instruments which Nature has so liberally 
bestowed on her most favourite productions, the trunk of 
the Elephant is perhaps the most complete and admi- 
rable. Ray says, it is divided into three partitions or 
chambers, two of which run in spiral directions, and 
the other in a right line. It is eight feet long in an Ele- 
phant of fourteen feet high, and hvQ feet in circumfe- 
rence at the thickest part. The nostrils are situated at 
the extremity, through which it draws in water by a 
strono- suction, either for the purpose of quenching its 
thirst, or of washing and cooling itself, which it fre- 
quently does, by taking up a large quantity, part of 
which it carries to its mouth, and drinks; and by ele- 
vating the trunk, allows the remainder to run over every- 
part of its body. 

Roots, herbs, leaves, and tender w^ood, are the ordi- 
nary food of the Elephant. He does not ruminate, and 
has but one stomach : This want, how^ever, is amply sup- 
plied by the magnitude and length of his intestines, and 
particularly of the colon, which is from fifteen to twenty 
feet in length, and two or three in diameter. When 
one of them discovers a plentiful pasture he calls to the 
others, and invites them to partake. As they require a 
great quantity of forage, they frequently chango their 



1£)0 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

pasture, and do incredible damage whenever they hap- 
pen to stray into cultivated grounds. From the weight 
of their bodies and the size of their feet, they destroy 
much more than they use for fond. The Indians and ne- 
groes use every artifice to prevent the approach of these 
unwelcome visitants, by making loud noises, and kindling 
fires round their habitations; but in spite of all their pre- 
cautions, the Elephants often break through their fences, 
destroy their whole harvest, and overturn their huts. It 
is not easy to separate them : They generally act in con- 
cert, Vv^hether they attack, march, or fly. 

The ordinary walk of the Elephant is not quicker than 
that of a Horse ; bat v/hen pushed, he assumes a kind of 
ambling pace, which in fleetness is equal to a gallop. 
He goes forward with ease and celerity ; but it is with 
great difficulty that he turns himself round ; and that not 
without taking a pretty large circuit. It is generally in 
narrow and hollow places that the negroes attack him, 
and cut off his tail, which they value above every other 
part of his body. He swims well, and is of great use in 
carrying great quantities of baggage over large rivers. 
When swimming, he raises his long trunk above the sur- 
face of the water for the sake of respiration, every other 
part of his body being below: In this manner several of 
these animals swim together, and steer their course with- 
out danger of running foul of each other. 

The Elephant, when tamed, is genrle, obedient, and 
docile : Patient of labour, he submits to the most toil- 
some drudgery ; and so attentive to the commands of his 
governor, that a word or a look is sufiicient to stimulate 
him to the most violent exertions. His attachment to 
his keeper is so great, that he caresses him with his trunk. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. I9I 

and frequently will obey no other master: He knows his 
voice, and can distinguish the tone of command, of an- 
o-er, or of approbation ; and regulates his actions accor- 
dingly : He receives his orders with attention, and exe- 
cutes them with eagerness, but without precipitation. 
All his motions are orderly, and seem to correspond with 
the dignity of his appearance, being grave, majestic, and 
cautious. He kneels down for the accommodation of 
those who would mount upon his back, and with his pli- 
ant tEunk even assists them to ascend. He suffers himself 
to be harnessed, and seems to have a pleasure in the finery 
of his trappings. He is used in drawing chariots, wag- 
gons, and various kinds of machines. One of them will 
perform with ease the work of many horses. 

The conductor of the Elephant is usually mounted on 
its neck, and makes use of a rod of iron, sharp at the 
end, and hooked j with which he urges the animal for- 
ward, by pricking its head, ears, or muzzle : But in ge- 
neral, a word from the keeper is sufficient to encourage 
this intelligent creature to proceed on its way, or perform 
the task assigned to it. — In India, where they were once 
employed in launching ships, one of them was directed 
to force a large vessel into the water, which proving supe- 
rior to his strength, the master, in an angry tone, cried 
out 'Take away that lazy beast, and bring another in its 
place.' The poor animal instantly redoubled its efforts, 
fractured its skull, and died upon the spot. 

The Indians, from very early periods, have employed 
Elephants in their wars: Porus opposed the passage of 
Alexander over the Hydaspes with eighty-live of them. 
M. de Bufibn imagines, that it was some of the Ele- 
phants taken by that monarch, and afterwards transport- 



192 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

ed into Greece, which were employed by Pyrfhus against 
the Romans.— Since the invention of fire-arms, the Ele- 
phant has been of little use in deciding the contests of 
hostile nations; for, being terrified with the flash of the 
•powder, and the report that immediate succeeds, they 
are soon thrown into confusion, and then become dan- 
gerous to their em_ployers.— They are now chiefly used 
for the purpose, of labour, or magnificent parade. 

The Indian princes, in their travels, are attended by 
hundreds ot these animals : Some are employed to con- 
vey the ladies which compose the seraglio, in latticed 
c?ges made for that purpose, and covered with branches 
of trees; whilst others transport immense quantities of 
baggage, with which the sovereigns of the East are al- 
*ways accompanied in their marches from one place to 
another. They are likewise made use of as the dreadful 
instruments of executing condemned criminals — a task 
which they perform with great dexterity. At the word 
of command, they break the limbs of the criminal with 
their trunks ; They sometimes trample him to death, or 
impale him on their enormous tusks, just as they are di- 
rected by their more barbarous keeper. 

It is.a singular circumstance in the history of this ex-* 
traordmary animal, that, in a^ state of subjection, it is 
unalterably barren; and, though it has been reduced un- 
der the dominion of man for ages, it has never been 
known to breed, as if it had a proper sense of its de- 
graded condition, and obstinately refused to increase the 
pride and power of its conquerors by propagating a race 
of slaves. It therefore follows, that of all the numerous 
bands of Elephants that are trained to service, there is 
not one that has net been originally wild, nor one that 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 1.93 

has not been forced into a state of subjection. To re- 
cruit, therefore, the numbers that are unavoidably con- 
sumed by disease, accident, or age, the eastern princes 
are obliged every year to send into the forests, and use 
various methods to procure fresh supplies. 

The manner of taking, taming, and rendering these 
animals submissive, is curious, and well deserves a place 
in the history of the Elephant. In the midst of a forest 
abounding with Elephants, a large piece of ground is 
marked out, and surrounded with strong palisades, inter- 
woven with branches of trees: One end of the inclosure 
IS narrow; from which it widens gradually, so as to take 
in a great extent of country. Several thousand men are 
employed upon the occasion, who place themselves in 
such a manner as to prevent the wild Elephants from 
making their escape: They kindle large fires at certain 
distances, and make a dreadful noise with drums and va- 
rious kinds of discordant instruments, calculated for the 
purpose of stunning and terrifying the poor animals; 
whilst another party, consisting of some thousands, with 
the assistance of tame female Elephants trained for the 
purpose, drive the wild Elephants slowly towards the 
great opening of the inclosure, the whole train of hun- 
ters closing in after them, shouting, and making a great 
noise, till they are driven by insensible degrees into the 
narrow part of the inclosure, through which there is an 
opening into a smaller space, strongly fenced in, and 
guarded on all side«. As scon as one of the Elephants 
enters this strait, a strong bar closes the passage from be- 
hind, and he finds himself completely environed. On 
the top of this narrow passage so^ne of the huntsmen 



194 HISTORY OF <2^^ADRUPEDS. 

Stand with goads in their hands, urging the creature for- 
ward to the end of the passage, where there is an open- 
ing Just wide enough to let him pass. He is now re- 
ceived into the custody of two female?, who stand on 
each side of him, and press him into the service: If he 
be likely to prove refractory, they begin to discipline him 
with their trunks, till he is reduced to obedience, and 
suffers himself to be led to a tree, where he is bound by 
the hg with stout thongs, made of untam.ed elk or buck 
skin. The tame Elephants are then led back to the in- 
closure, and the othersare made to submit in the same 
manner. They are all suffered to remain fast to the trees 
for several days. Attendants are placed by the side of 
each animal, who supply him with food by little and lit- 
tle, till he is brought by degrees to be sensible of kind- 
ness and caresses, and aljows himself to be led to the sta- 
ble. In the space of fourteen days, his absolute submis- 
sion is completed. During that time, he is fed daily 
with cocoa-nut leaves, and led once a day to the water 
by the tame ones. He becomes accustomed to the voice 
of his keeper, and at last quietly resigns his prodigious 
powers to the dominion and service of man. 

The time of gestation of the Elephant is hitherto but 
imperfectly knowm: Aristotle says it goes two years 
with young; which is the more likely, as the season of 
desire in the male returns but once in three years. The 
female produces one young at a time. The young Ele- 
phants are said to suck with their trunk, the teats of the 
female being situated between its fore legs. 

The elephant is thirty years in arriving at its full 
growth ; and is said to live, though in a state of capti- 
vity, to the age of an hundred and tv^^enty or an hundred 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 195 

and thirty years: In a state of unrestrained freedom, it 
is supposed to live much longer. 

The Elephant will drink wine, and is fond of spirituous 
liquors. By shewing him a vessel filled with arrack, he 
is induced to exert the greatest efforts, and perform the 
most painful tasks, in hopes of receiving it as the reward 
of his labour. To disappoint him is dangerous, as he 
seldom fails to be revenged. The following instance is 
given as a fact and deserves to be recorded:-- An Ele- 
phant, disappointed of its reward, out of revenge killed 
his cornac or governor. The poor man's wife, w^ho be- 
held the dreadful scene, took her two infants, and threw 
them at the feet of the enraged animal, saying, ^ Since 
you have slain my husband, take my life also, as well as 
that of my children/ The F^lephant instantly stopped, 
relented, and, as if stung with remorse, took the eldest 
boy in its trunk, placed him on its neck, adopted him 
for its cornac, and would never allow any other person 
to mount it. 

We might quote many other facts equally curious^and 
interesting : Those we have already recited are sufficient 
to shew that the Elephant is possessed of instinctive fa- 
culties superior to those of any other animal. We must 
at the same time admire the admirable order of that 
dispensation, which, to an animal of such unequalled 
powers, has added a disposition so mild and tractable. 
What ravages might we not expect from the prodigious 
strength of the Elephant, combined with the fierceness 
and rapacity of the Tiger! 

We cannot close our account of the Elephant with- 
^t taking some notice of the teeth of that anim.al, which 

N 2 



196' HISTORY OF OUADRUPEDS. 

have been so frequently found in a fossil state in variotis- 
parts of the world. Some years ago, two great grinding- 
teeth, and part of the tusk of an Elephant, w^ere disco- 
vered, at the depth of forty-two yards, in a lead mine, 
in Flintshire, lying in a bed of gravel. The grinders 
•were almost as perfect as if they had been just taken 
from the living animal; the tusk was much decayed, and 
very soft.' — Near the banks of many rivers in Siberia, 
large tusks and teeth have been frequently dug up, which 
were formerly attributed to a creature called the Mam- 
mouth ; but they are now universally believed to have be- 
longed to the Elephant. The molares or grinders are 
perfectly the same with those of the present race; but 
both they and the tusks are much larger: Some of the 
latter have been known to weigh four hundred pounds; 
and grinders, of the w^eight of twenty-four pounds, have 
not unfrequently been discovered. One of these was 
taken from a skeleton of the same head in which the 
tusks were found: And as the ivory of the latter was 
in every respect the same as that generally known, and 
made use of for the purposes of useful and ornamental 
works, we cannot deny our assent to the opinion of those 
who suppose them to have been once parts of the animal 
w^e have just described. — Tusks of a prodigious size, 
teeth, jaw-bones, thigh-bones, and vertebra, have like- 
wise been frequently found on the banks of the river 
Ohio, In x\merica, five or six feet beneath the surface. 
Some of the tusks are near seven feet long; one foot 
nine inches in circumference at the base, and one foot 
near the point. They differ from those of the Elephant, 
in having a larger twist or spiral curve towards the small 
end. There is a still greater difference in the form of 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



197 



the grinders which are made like those of a carnivorous 
anisxjal, not flat and ribbed transversely on their surface, 
like those of an Elephant, but furnished w^ith a double 
row of high and conic projections, as if intended to mas- 
ticate, not grind, their food. Specimens of these teeth 
and bones are deposited in the British Museum, that of 
the Royal Society, and in the cabinet of the late inge- 
nious Dr Hunter. These fossil bones are also found in 

Peru and in the Brazils. iVs yet, the living animal 

has evaded the search of the curious naturalist; but it is 
not improbable, that it may exist in some of those remote 
parts of that vast continent, yet unpenetrated by Euro- 
peans. 




N 3 



198 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



AJflMALS OF THE CAT KIXD. 

We have hitherto been employed in the pleasing task 
of describing most of those num.erous tribes of animals 
that are more nearly connected with the interests of man- 
kind j that serve as the instruments of man*s happiness, 
or at least that do not openly oppose him ; that depend 
upon his care for their subsistence; and in their turn 
contribute largely to his comfort and support. We have 
taken an ample range among the w^ilder inhabitants of the 
forest, which, though in a more remote degree depen- 
dant on man^ are nevertheless objects of his attention 
and pursuit. We have followed Nature to her most re- 
tired recesses, and have seen and admired her works un- 
der a variety of the most beautiful living forms ; but 
our progress has hitherto been unstained with blood. 

The attention of our readers will now be engaged iji a 
different pursuit. The scene must be diversified. 

We come now to a sanguinary and unrelenting tribe, 
the bold and intrepid enemies of man , that disdain to own 
his power, and carry on unceasing hostilities against him. 

This numerous and ferocious tribe is chiefly distin- 
guished by their sharp and formidable claws, which are 
lodged in a sheath, and are capable of being extended or 
drawn in at pleasure.^I hey lead a solitary anc} a raven- 
ous life, and never unite for mutual defence or support, 
like those of the herbivorous kinds. They seek their 
food alone, and are frequently enemies to each other. 
Though differing greatly in size and in colour, they are 
nearly allied to each other in form and disposition, being 
equally fierce, rapacious, and artful. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



199 




THE LIOM, 

f Fell's Leo, Lin. — Le Lion, Buff.) 

Is eminently distinguished from the rest, as well in size 
and strength, as by his large and flowing mane. 

This animal is produced in Africa, and the hottest 
parts of Asia. It is found in the greatest numbers in the 
scorched and desolate regions of the torrid zone, in the 
desarts of Zaara and Biiedulgerid, and in all the interior 
parts of the vast continent of Africa. In these desart re- 
gions, from whence mankind are driven by the rigorous 
heat of the climate, this animal reigns sole master: Its 
disposition seems to partake of the ardour of its native 
soil: Inflamed by the inlluence of a burning sun, its ingc 
is most tremendous, and its courage undaunted. Mappi- 

N 4 



20O HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

3y, indeed, the species is not numerous, and is said to 
be greatly diminished; for, if we may credit the testi- 
mony of those who have traversed these vast desarts, the 
number of Lions is not nearly so great as formerly. Mr. 
Shaver observes, that the Romans carried more Lions 
from Lybia in one year for their public spectacles, than 
could be found in all that country at this time. It is 
likev^'ise remarked, that in Turkey, Persia, and the In- 
dies, Lions are not now so frequently met with as in for- 
mer times. 

It is observed of this animal, that its courage dimi- 
nishes, and its caution and timidity are greater, in pro- 
portion as it approaches the habitations of the human 
race. Being acquainted with man, and the power of his 
arms, it loses its natural fortitude to such a degree, as to 
be terrified at the sound of his voice. It has been known 
to fly before women and even children, and suffer itself 
to be driven away by them from its lurking placer, in the 
neighbourhood of their villages. 

This alteration in the Lion's disposition sufficientlv 
shews, that it will admit of a certain degree of educa- 
tion: Audit is a well-known fact, that the keepers of 
wild beasts frequently play with him, pull out his tongue, 
hold him by the teeth, and even chastise him without 
cause. The animal seems to bear all with a sullen kind 
of composure, and rarely retaliates this unmerited treat- 
ment. It is dangerous, however, to provoke him too 
far, or to depend upon his temper with too great secu- 
rity. Labat tells us of a gentleman who kept a Lion in 
his chamber, and employed a servant to attend it; who, 
as is usual mixed his blows with caresses. This ili- 
judged association continued for some time. One morn- 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.. 201 

ing the gentleman was awakened by an unusual noise in 
his room, and, drawing his curtains, he perceived it to 
proceed from the Lion, which was growling over the bo- 
dy of the unhappy man, whom it had just killed, and had 
separated his head from his body. The terror and con- 
fusion of the gentleman may be easily conceived: He 
flew out of the room; and, with the assistance of some 
people, had the animal secured from doing further mis- 
chief. 

As the passions of this animal are strong, and its appe- 
tites vehement, v?e ought not to presume that the im^ 
pressions of education will always be sufficiently power- 
ful. It must be dangerous therefore, to suffer it to re- 
main too long without food, or to persist in irritating 
or abusing it. 

However numberless accounts assure us, that the an- 
ger of the Lfion is noble, its courage magnanimous, and 
its temper susceptible of grateful impressions. It has 
been often seen to despise weak and contemptible ene- 
mies, and even to pardor^ their insults, when it was \tx 
its power to punish them: It has been known to spare 
the life of an animal that was thrown to be devoured by 
it, to live in habits of perfect cordiality with it, to share 
its subsistence, and even to give it a preference where its 
portion of food was scanty. 

The form of the Lion is strikingly bold and majestic: 
His large and shaggy mane, which he can erect at plea- 
sure, surrounding his awful front; his huge eye-brows- 
his round and fiery eye-balls, which, upon the least irri- 
tation, seem to glow with peculiar lustre; together with 
the formidable appearance of his teeth,—exhibit a picture 
of terrific grandeur which no words can describe. 



202 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

The length of the largest Lion is between eight and 
nine feet, the tail about four, and its height about four 
feet and a half. The female is about one-fourth part less 
and without the mane. 

As the Lion advances in years, its mane grows longer 
and thicker. The hair on the rest of his body is short 
and smooth, of a tawny colour but whitish on the belly. 

The roaring of the Lion is loud and dreadful : When 
heard in the night, it resembles distant thunder. Its cry 
of anger is much louder and shorter. 

The Lion seldom attacks any animal openly, except 
when compelled by extreme hunger; In that case, no 
danger deters him ; but as most animals endeavour to 
avoid him, he is obliged to have recourse to artifice, and 
fake his prey by surprise. For this purpose, he crouches 
on his belly in some thicket, where he waits till his prey- 
approaches 3 and then, with one prodigious spring, he 
leaps upon it at the distance of fifteen or twenty feet, 
and generally seizes it at the first bound. If he m.iss his 
object, he gives up the pursuit; and, turning back to- 
wards the place of his ambush, he measures the ground 
step by step, and again lies in wait for another opportu- 
nity.— The lurking place of the Lion is generally chosen 
near a spring, or by the side of a river; where he fre- 
quently has an opportunity of catching such animals as 
come to quench their thirst. 

There are, however, instances where the Lion deviates 
from his usual method of taking his prey, of which the 
following, related by Sparrman, is remarkable : — A Hot- 
tentot, perceiving that he was followed by a Lion, and 
concluding that the animal only waited the approach of 
uight to make him his prey, began to consider of the best 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 203 

method of providing for his safety, which he at length 
effected in the following singular manner : Observing a 
piece of broken ground, with a precipitate descent on 
one side, he sat down by the edge of it ; and found, to 
his great joy, that the Lion also made a halt, and kept at 
the same distance as before. As soon as it grevir dark, 
the Hottentot, sliding gently forward, let himself down a 
little below the edge of the hill, and held up his cloak 
and hat upon his stick, making at the same time a gentle 
motion with it: The Lion, in the mean while, came 
creeping softly towards him, like a Cat; and mistaking 
the skin cloak for the man himself, made a spring, and 
fell headlong down the precipice : By which means, the 
poor Hottentot w.as safely delivered from his insidious 
enemy. 

That the Lion does not always kill whatever animal 
happens to be in his power, has already been observed , 
and thijS peculiarity in its temper is remarkably obvious, 
with regard to the human species. Of this there have 
been many instances. At St. Catherine Creeps church, 
Leadenhali-street, London, provision is made, under the 
will of Sir John Gager, who was lord-mayor in the year 
1 646, for a sermon to be annually preached on the 16th 
of November, in commemoration of his happy deliver- 
ance from a Lion, which he met in a desart as he was 
travelling in the Turkish dominions, and suffered him to 
pass unmolested. The minister is to have 20s. for the 
sermon, the clerk 2s. 6d. and the sexton Is. The sum 
ot Si 16s. 6d. is likewise to be distributed among the 
necessitous inhabitants, pursuant to the will of Sir John. 
— Sparrman, among several instances of the same nature, 
mentions a person who, though he was thrown down br 



204 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

a Lion, and wounded by it in several places, was after 
all generously left with life. 

The strength of this animal is great: One of them 
v/as observed to seize a heifer, which it carried off in its 
mouth with e^se, and leaped over a ditch without much 
apparent difficulty. 

At the Cape of Good Hope, the Lion is frequently 
hunted by the colonists. — In the day time, and upon an 
open plain, twelve or sixteen dogs will easily get the bet- 
ter of a jarge Lion. As the Lion is not remarkably 
swift, the dogs soon come pretty near him; when, with 
a sullen kind of magnanimity, he turns round, and waits 
for the attack, shaking his mane^ and roaring with a short 
and sharp tone. The hounds surround him ; and, rush- 
ing upon him all at once, soon tear him to pieces. It is 
said, that he has seldom time to make more than two or 
three strokes with his paws ; each of which is attended 
with the death of one of his assailants. 

The IJoness goes with young five months, and brings 
forth three or four at a time. The young ones are about 
the size of a large pug-dog, harmless, pretty, and playful. 
They continue at the teat twelve months, and are above 
five years in coming to perfection. 

The attachment of the Lioness to her young is re- 
markably strong: For their support, she is more fero- 
cious than the Lion himself, makes her incursions with 
greater boldness, destroys, without distinction, every ani- 
mal that falls in her way, and carries it reeking to her 
cubs.— She usually brings forth in the most retired and 
inaccessible places; and, when afraid of her retreat being 
discovered, endeavours to hide her track, by brushing the 
ground with her tail. When much disturbed or alarm- 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 205 

ed, she will sometimes transport her young from one 
place to another in her mouth ; and, if obstructed in her 
course, will defend them to the last extremity. 

The Lion is a long lived animal, although naturalists 
have differed greatly as to the precise period of its ex- 
istence. Buffon limits it to twenty, or twenty^two years 
at most. It is however certain, that it lives much be- 
yond that time. The great Lion, called Pompey, which 
died in the year 1760, was known to have hten in the 
Tower above seventy years ; and one, brought from the 
river Gambia, died there not long ago, at the age of six- 
ty-three. Several of these animals have been bred in the 
Tower: So that the time of their gestation^ the number 
they produce, and the time of their arriving at perfec- 
tion, are all pretty well known. 

The flesh of the Lion is said to have a strong disagree- 
able flavour^ yet it is frequently eaten by the negroes. 
The skin which w^as formerly a robe of distinction for 
heroes, is now made use of by those people as a mantle 
or a bed. They also preserve the grease, which is of a 
penetrating nature, and is used in medicine. 

The representation we have given vv'as drawn from a 
remarkabie fine one, exhibited at Newcastle in the year 
1788. It was then young, extremely healthful, active, 
and ill full condition. 



\' 




^08 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




THE TIGER, 

(Felis Tigris, Um.—Le ligre, BuW.J 

Is the most rapacrous and destructive of all carnivorous 
animals. Fierce without provocation, and cruel without 
necessity, its thirst for blood is insatiable; Though glut- 
ted with slaughter, it continues its carnage, nor ever 
gTves up so long as a single object remains in its sight : 
Flocks and herds fall indiscrinnnate victims to its fury: 
It fears neither the sight nor the opposition of man, 
whom it frequently makes its prey ; and it is even said 
to prefer human flesh to that of any other animal. 

The Tiger is peculiar to Asia, and is found as far 
North as China and Chinese Tartary : It inhabits Mount 
Ararat and Hyrcania, of old famous for its wild beasts. 
The greatest numbers are met with in India and its 
islands. They are the scourge of the country: They 
lurk am*ong the bushes, by the sides of rivers, and aJ- 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 207 

most depopulate many places. They seldom pursue their 
prey, but bound upon it from the place of their ambush, 
with an elasticity, and from a distance, scarcely credible. 
It is highly probable that, from this circumstance, the 
Tiger may derive its name, which, in the Armenian lan- 
guage, signifies an arrow; to the flight of which this 
creature may very properly be compared, in the quick- 
ness and agility of its bounds. 

The strength of this animal is so great, that, when it 
has killed a Deer or other animal, it carries it off with 
such ease, that it seems no impediment to its flight. Jf 
it be undisturbed, it plunges its head into the body of 
the animal up to its very eyes as if to satiate itself with 
blood. 

The Tiger is one of the few animals whose ferocity 
can never be wholly subdued. Neither gentleness nor 
constraint has any effect in softening its temper* it does 
not seem sensible of the attention of it.s keeper; and 
w^ould equally tear the hand that feeds, with that by 
which it is chastised. 

A beautiful young male Tiger, lately brought over 
from China, in the Pitt East-lndiaman, at the age of ten 
months, was so far domesticated, as to admit every kind 
of familiarity from the people on board. It seemed to 
be quite harmless, and was as playful as a kitten. It 
frequently slept with the sailors in their hammocks, and 
would suffer two or three of them to repose their heads 
upon its back, as upon a pillow, whilst it lay stretched 
out upon the deck. In return for this, it would, howe- 
ver, now and then steal their meat. Having one day 
taken a piece of beef from the carpenter, he followed 
the animal, took the meat out of its mouth, and beat it 



5208 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

severely for the theft ; which punishment it suffered with 
all the patience of a Dog. It would frequently run out 
on the bowsprit; climb about the ship likje a Cat; and 
perform a number of tricks, with an agility that was 
truly astonishing. There was a Dog on board the ship, 
with which it would often play in the most diverting 
manner. — From these circumstances, one might be led 
to suppose, that the disposition of the Tiger, like that of 
many other animals, was capable of some degree of cul- 
ture. But it ought to be remembered, that at the time 
this one was taken on board the ship, it was only a 
month or six weeks old; and when arrived in this coun- 
try, it had not quite compleated a year. How much 
longer its good-humour might have continued, it is im- 
possible to say: But it is much to be doubted, that the 
same innocent playfulness would have formed a part of 
its character when arrived at its full state of maturity. 

Notwithstanding the cruelty of this creature's disposi- 
tion, a sudden cheek has sometimes had a good effect in 
preventing its meditated attack. Some ladies and gentle- 
men being on a party of pleasure, under a shade of trees, 
on the banks of a river in Bengal, were suddenly sur- 
prised at seeing a Tiger ready to make its fatal spring: 
One of the ladies, with amazing presence of mind, laid 
hold of an umbrella, and unfurling it directly in the ani- 
mal's face, it instantly retired, — Another party had not 
the same good fortune. A Tiger darted among them 
whilst they were at dinner, seized on a gentleman, and 
carried him off in the sight of his disconsolate compa- 
nions. 

They attack all kinds of animals, even the Lion; and 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 209 

furious combats have frequently been maintained be- 
tween them, in which both have perished. 

Father Tachard gives an account of a battle between 
a Tiger and two Elephants, at Siam; of which he was 
an eye-witness. The heads and part of the trunks of 
the Elephants, were defended from the claws of the Ti- 
ger by a covering made for the purpose. They were 
placed in the midst of a large inclosure. One of them 
was suffered to approach the Tiger, which was confined 
by cords, and received two or three heavy blows from 
the trunk of the Elephant upon its back, which beat it 
to the ground, where it lay for some time as if it were 
dead : But, though this attack had a good deal abated its 
fury, it was no sooner untied, than, with a horrible roar 
it made a spring at the Elephant's trunk, which that ani- 
mal dexterously avoided by drawing it up; and, receiving 
the Tiger on its tusks, threw it up into the air. The 
tvv^o Elephants were then allowed to come up; and, after 
giving it several heavy blows, would undoubtedly have 
killed it, if an end had not been put to the combat.-— 
Under such restraints and disadvantages, we cannot won- 
der that the issue was unfavourable to the Tiger. We 
may, however by this judge of its great strength and 
fierceness, — that, after being disabled by the first attack 
of the Elephant, whilst it was held by its cords, it would 
venture to continue such an unequal engagement. 

We are happy in being able to present our curious 
readers with an engraving of this rare animal, drawn 
from the life, from a Tiger that was exhibited at New- 
castle in 1787, and was generally allowed to be one of 
the finest creatures of its kind ever seen in England. 

O 



210 HISTORY OF (QUADRUPEDS, 

The beautiful bars of black with which every part of its 
bvidy was streaked, are accurately copied : The colour of 
the ground was yellow, deeper on the back, and soften- 
ing by degrees towards the belly, where it was white; as 
were also the throat and insides of the legs: A white 
space, spotted with black, surrounded each eye ; and on 
each cheek, a stripe of the same colour extended from 
the ears to the throat. It was nearly the same height as 
the Lion, and was of the largest species of the Tiger, 
which is called the Royal Tiger, The smallest of them is 
not above two feet high, said to be extremely cunning, 
and delights in human flesh. The second kind is about 
three feet high, and is fond of Deer, Yvlid Hogs, &c. 
which it frequently takes by the side of rivers^ as they 
come down to quench their thirst. 

The skin of this animal is much esteemed all over the 
East, particularly in China, The Mandarins cover their 
seats of justice with it; and, during the winter, use it 
for cushions and pillows. 

We have now described the two great heads of this 
mischievous family, which are eminently distinguished 
from the rest in size, strength, and colour. 

The three succeeding species have been frequently con- 
founded with each other; and, although there is some 
difference in their size, and in the disposition of their 
spots, yet these have been so indiscriminately defined, as 
to make it difficult to form a true criterion, so as accu- 
rately to distinguish each species. Strikingly similar lu 
the form of their bodies, in the beauty of their skins as 
well as in their dispositions and habits, which seem to be 
equally formed for rapine and cruelty, — there is great 



History OF qua1)rupeds: 211 

toom to conjecture, that commixture may be one threat 
cause of producing the slight differences observable in 
them. — If we regard the figure and diversity of the spots, 
we shall find many varieties not taken notice of bv na- 
turalists ^ if we be led to judge by the size, we shall find 
an almost imperceptible gradation fi'om the Cat to the 
Tiger. It would be vain, therefore, to make as many 
varieties in these animals, as we see differences in spots 
or stature: It will be sufficient to point oiit the most ge- 
neral distinctions. 




O 2 



IS 



HISTORY OF (QUADRUPEDS. 







THE PAMTHER, 

( Fclis Pardus^ Lin. — La Funlhere, Buff.)^ 

Is next in size to the Tiger, and has, by many natural- 
ists, been mistaken for that animal. — Its hair is short and 
smooth ; and, instead of being streaked like the Tiger, is 
beautifully marked on the back, sides, and flanks, with 
black spots, disposed in circles, from four to five in each 
with a single spot in the center; on the face, breast, and 
legs, the spots are single: The colour of the body on the 
back and sides is yellow, deep on the back, and paler to- 
wards the belly, which is white: Its ears are short and 
pointed; its eye is restless; and its whole aspect fierce 
and cruel. 

It is an un tameable animal, and inhabits Africa, from 
Earbary to the remotest parts of Guinea. 

Its manner of taking its prey is the same with that of 
the Tiger,— always by surprize, either lurking in thick- 
ets, cr creeping on its belly till it comes within reach. 
When pressed with hunger, it attacks every living crea= 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 213 

tufe without distinction, but happily prefers the flesh of 
brutes to that of mankind : It v;ill even climb up trees in 
pursuit of monkies and lesser animals^ so that nothing is 
secure from its attacks. 

The Panther is about the size of a large Mastiff T>og^ 
but its legs are not quite so long. Its voice is strong and 
hoarse, and it growls continually. 

The ancients were well acquainted with these animals. 
The Romans drew prodigious numbers from the desart^. 
of Africa, for their public shows ; sufficient, one might 
suppose, to have entirely exhausted them. Scaurus ex- 
hibited an hundred and fifty of them at one time; Pom- 
pey four hundred and ten; and Augustus four hundred 
and twenty. They probably thinned the coasts of Man- 
ritania of these animals; but they still swarm in the sou- 
thern parts of Guinea. 

In China, there is a most beautiful animal of this kind, 
called Loucliu, the skin of which sells for six pounds ster- 

An animal of this species is likewise found in Asiatic 
Tartary, called there the Babi\ It is seven feet long, ex- 
tremely rapacious, and very destructive of Horses and 
Camels. Its skin is very fine, and valued in Russia at one 
pound sterling. 




O 4 



214 



HISTORY GF QUADRUPES. 




THE LEOPARD, 



(Le Leopard, Buff.) 

The v^ry trifling difference between this and the last- 
mentioned animal gives reason to suppose^ that it consists 
chiefly in the name. It inhabits the same countries; and 
in some places goes by the same name, being called the 
Panther' of Senegal; and is chiefly found there. It is 
mentioned by Ray as the female Paniher, but is rather 
smaller than that animal. Its length, from nose to tail, 
is about four feet: The colour of the body is a more 
lively yellov^^; and the spots WMth which it is diversified, 
are smaller and closer than those of the Panther. 

The interior parts of Africa abound with these ani= 
mals; from whence they come down in great numbers, 
and make dreadful havock among the numerous herds 
that cover the plains of the Lower Guinea. When 
beasts of chace faif, they spare no living creature^ 



;hi$tory of quadrupeds. 215 

The negroes take them in pitfalls, sh'ghtly covered at 
the top, and baited with flesh. Their chief inducement 
for pursuing them is their flesh, which they eat; and it is 
said to be as white as veal, and well -tasted. The negres- 
ses make collars of their teeth, and wear them as charms. 

The skins of these animals are brought to Europe, 
where they are greatly esteemed. 

In India, there is a species of Leopard about the size 
of a large Greyhound, with a small head, and short ears: 
Its face, chin, and threat, are of a pale-brow^n colour, in- 
.clining to yellow; the body is of a light tawny-brown, 
marked with small round black spots, scattered over the 
back, sides, head, and legs; the hair on the top of the 
neck is longer than the rest; the belly is white; the tail 
very long, marked on the upper side with large black 
spots. 

This is the animal, mentioned in our account of the 
Antelope, which is made use of in India for hunting that 
and other beasts of^ the chace. — It is carried in a small 
kind of waggon, chained and hoodwinked till it approach- 
es the head; w^hen it is unchained, and suffered to pur- 
sue the game. It begins by creeping along, with its bel- 
ly close to the ground, stopping and concealing itself till 
it gets an advantageous situation ; it then darts on its 
prey with great agility, frequently making five or six ama- 
zing bounds. If it should not succeed in its first effort, 
it gives up the point for that time, and readily returns to 
ks master. 



P f 



215 



BJSTORY OF gUADRUFED^. 




THE GUjyCE, 

(LOnce, Buft.) 

ts smaller than the Leopard, being three feet and a half 
long from the nose to the tail, very strong, long-backed^ 
and short legged. The hair is long, and of a light-gray 
colour, tinged with yellow^ lighter on the breast and 
belly : The head is marked with small round spots : Be- 
hind each ear there is a large black spot: The back i«f 
beautifully varied with a number of oval figures, formed 
by small spots almost touching each other; the spots on 
the sides are more irregular; those on the legs and thighs 
small, and thinly dispersed: The tail is full of hair, irre- 
gularly marked with large black spots, and upwards of 
three feet long. 

It is common in Barbary, Persia, and China; is much 
more gentle than the Leopard; and, like the Hunting- 
Leopard, is sometim.es trained to the chase. Instead of 
being conveyed in a waggon, it is carried on the crupper 
of the Horse, is as rnxuch under comm.and as a Setting- 
Dog, returns at a call, and jumps up behind its master. 



KISTORY OF gUADRUPEDS. 



271 



The scent of the Ounce is not so fine as that of the 
P ig. It neither follows animals by their foot, nor is it 
abie to overtake them in a continual chase : It hunts 
solely by the eye, and makes only a few springs at its 
prey. It is so nimble, as to clear a ditch or a wall of 
many feet. It often climbs trees to watch animals that 
are passing, and suddenly darts upon them. 

It is supposed to be the Lesser P aiii her of Oppmn, and 
the Pant her a of Pliny. 




THE JAGUAR, 



(Felis Onca, Lin. — Le January Buff.) 

Is the most formidable animal of the new continent, ra- 
ther larger than the Panther, with hair of a bright-tawny 
colour. The top of the back is marked with long stripes 
of black; The sides beautifully variegated with irregular 
oblong spots, open in the middle ; the tail not so long as 
that of the Ounce, and irregularly marked with large 
black spots. 



SI 8 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS: 

It is found In the hottest parts of South-America • is 
very fierce ; and, when pressed with hunger, will some- 
times venture to seize a man. 

The Indians are much afraid of it, and think it prefers 
them to the white inhabitants, who, perhaps, are better 
prepared to repel its attacks. In travelling through the 
desarts of Guiana, they light great fires in the night, of 
v/hich these animals are much afraid. 

They howl dreadfully; their cry, which Is expressive 
/)f the two monosyllables — hou, hou, is somewhat plain- 
tive, grave, and strong, like that of an Ox. 

The Ant-eater, though it has no teeth to defend itself 
with, is the most cruel enemy the Jaguar has to encoun- 
ter. As soon as the Jaguar attacks this little animal, it 
lies down on its back, and, with its long claws, seizes 
and suffocates him. 




HISTORY OF OUADRUPEDS, £19 




THE COUGUAR, 

(Felis Concolor, Lin.— Le Coiigiiar, Buff.) 

Inh AB ITS the continent of America, and is called by some 
the Puma, or American Lion ; but differs so much from 
that noble animal, as not to admit of any comparison.—- 
Its head is small; it has no mane ; its length, from nose 
to tail is five htt three inches; the tail two feet: The 
predominant colour is a Uvely red, mixed with black; 
especially on the back, where it is darkest: Its chin, 
throat, and all the inferior parts of its body, are whitish: 
Its legs are long ; claws white ; and the outer claw of 
the fore feet much longer than the others. 

It is found in many parts of North-America, from Ca- 
nada to Florida: It is also common in Guiana, Brazil, 
and Mexico. 

It is fierce and ravenous in the extreme, and will 
swim rivers to attack cattle even in their inclosures. — 1\\ 
North-America, its fury seems to be subdued by the ri- 
gour of the climate, for it will (Iv from a Dosr in com- 



2i20 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

pany with its master, and take shelter by running up u 
tree. 

It is very destructive to domestic animals, particularly 
to Hogs. It preys also upon the Moose and other Deer; 
lies lurking upon the branch of a tree till some of these 
animals pass underneath, when it drops down upon one 
of them, and never quits its hold till it has drunk its 
blood. It will even attack beasts of prey. In the Mu- 
seum of the Royal Society is preserved the skin of one of 
these animals, which was shot just as it had seized a 
Wolf.— When satisfied with eating, it conceals the rest 

of the carcase, covering it carefully with leaves,- It 

purrs like a Cat, and sometimes howls dreadfully. 

The fur is soft, and is used by the Indians for a win- 
ter habit; when dressed, it is made into gloves and shoes. 
The flesh is white, and, by the natives, reckoned excel- 
lent food. 

The Couguar, when brought into captivity, is almost 
as gentle as the domestic Cat, allows itself to be caressed 
and will permit boys to mount on its back. — It is some- 
times called the Poltron Tiger, 




HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. ©21 




THE BLACK-TIGER, 

(Le Cougar noir, Buff.) 

Differs from the former chiefly in the colour, which is 
dusky, sometimes spotted with black, but generally plain. 
The throat, belly, and inside of the legs, are of a pale- 
ash colour; the upper lip white, covered with long whis- 
kers : Above each eye it has very long hairs ; and at the 
corner of the mouth a black spot: Its paws are white; 
and its ears are sharp and pointed. 

It grows to the size of a heifer of a year old, and has 
great strength in its limbs. 

It inhabits Brazil and Guiana, is a cruel and fierce 
animal, much dreaded by the Indians; but fortunately 
the species is not numerous. 

M. de la Borde, in his description of these animals, 
says, that they frequent the sea shore, and eat the eggs 
deposited there by the turtles. They likewise eat cai- 
mans or alligators, lizards, and fishes, and sometimes 



22^ HISTORY OF OUADRUPEDSc. 

the buds and tender leaves of the Indian fig. — ^They are 
excellent swimmers. — In order to catch the alligator, 
they lie down on their belly at the edge of the river, 
strike the water to make a noise, and as soon as the alli- 
gator raises its head above the water, dart their claws in- 
to its eyes, and drag it on shore. 




THE OCELOT. 

(Fells Fardalisy Um.—L! Ocelot, BufT.) 

The skin of the male Ocelot is extremely beautiful, 
and most elegantly variegated. Its general colour is that 
of a bright-tawny ; a black stripe extends along the top 
of the back, from head to tail^ its forehead is spotted 
with black, as are also its legs; Its shoulders, sides, and 
rump are beautifully marbled with long stripes of black, 
forming oval figures, filled in the middle with small 
black spots; its tail is irregularly marked with large 
spots, and black at the end. — The colours of the female 
are not so vivid as those of the male; neither is it so 
beautifully marked. 



HISTORY OF gUADRUPEDS. 223 

The Ocelot very much resembles the common Cat in 
the form of its body, although it is a great deal larger. 
BufFon makes its height two feet and a half^ and about 
four feet in length. 

It is a native of South- America, inhabits Mexico and 
Brazil, is very voracious, but timid, and seldom attacks 
men. It is afraid of Do-gs; and when pursued, flies ta 
the woods. 

It lives chiefly in the mountains, and conceals itself 
amongst the leaves of trees; from whence it darts upon 
such animals as come within its reach. It sometimes ex- 
tends itself along the boughs, as if it were dead, till the 
monkies, tempted by their natural curiosity, approach 
within its reach. It is said to prefer the blood of ani- 
mals to their flesh. 

The Ocelot cannot easily be tamed, and retains its ori- 
ginal wildness in a state of captivity. Nothing can soften 
the natural ferocity of its disposition, nor calm the rest- 
lessness of its motions. For this reason, it is always kept 
in a cBge. — One of these animals, shewn at Newcastle 
in 1788, although extremely old, exhibited great marks 
of ferocity. It was kept closely confined, and would not 
admit of being caressed by its keeper in the same manner 
as the Lion; but growled constantly, and always appear- 
ed in motion.— A male and female Ocelot were brought 
to France some years ago, Vv^hich had been taken when 
very young. At the age of three months, they became 
so strong and fierce, as to kill a bitch that was given 
them for a nurse. When a live Cat was thrown to 
them, they sucked its blood, but would not taste its flesh. 
The male seemed to have a great superiority over the fe- 



^^4 HISTORY OF gUADRUPKDS. 

male, as he never allowed her to partake till his own ap- 
petite was satisfied. 

The female Ocelot, like all the larger animals of the 
Cat kind, produces a small number at a time. The two 
above-mentioned were the only young ones found with 
the mother, which was killed at the time they were ta- 
ken, and makes it probable, that they bring forth only 
that number. 




THE MARGAT, 

(Le Mar gay ^ Buff.) 

Is another beautiful animal of the spotted tribe, and 
known in many places by the name of the Tiger Cat. 
The ground colour of the body is tawny; the face is 
striped with black; the body is marked with stripes and 
large spots of black ; the breast and insides of the legs 
are white, spotted with black; the tail is long, marked 
with alternate spots of black, tawny, and gray. 

TheMargay is smaller than the Ocelot, and about the 
size of the Wild Cat, which it resembles in disposition 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 225 

and habits, living on small animals, birds, &c. — It is very 
wild, and cannot easily be brought under subjection. 

Its colours vary, though they are generally such as 
have been described. 

It is common in Guiana, Brazil, and various parts of 
South-America. 

It is called the Cayenne Cat^ and is not so frequent in 
temperate as in v^arm climates. 

In taking a survey of this beautiful race of animals, we 
are unavoidably led to observe, that much remains for 
the laborious researches of the natural historian, before a 
complete account can be made out of the various kinds 
of which it is composed. — Several species are frequently 
found in the East Indies, in the woods near the Cape of 
Good Hope, and on the continent of America; but in 
general these have been so negligently or so injudiciously 
mentioned, as to render it impossible to form a perfect 
description of them. — • — A good history of these animals 
is one of the many desiderata of the naturalist; but when 
we consider the great distance which most of this fero- 
cious tribe observe in their separation from mankind, and 
the dangers that must be encountered in approaching 
their solitary habitations, we are obliged to lament that 
this desirable object is not likely to be soon accomplished. 




2%6 



HISTORY OF (^'^''-^^R^-PE^S- 




THE SEKVAL, 

(Le Sercal, Buff.) 

Inhabits the mountainous parts of India, and is called 

by the natives oi Maiabar, the MarapiUc. — It is larger 

than the Wild-Cat — Its general colour is a pale yellow; 

white on the breast and belly ; variegated with round 

spots, which are equally distributed over every part of it.a 

body: Its eyes are extremely brilliant, and have a wild, 

piercing look, its whiskers are long and stiff; its tail 

short; and its feet are armed with long hooked claws. 

It is seldom to be seen upon the ground ; but L'ves 

chiefly in trees, where it makes its nest, ai^d breeds its 

young. It feeds on young birds, and leaps with great 

agility from tree to tree. It is extremely fierce; but a- 

voids mankind, unless provoked; when it darts furiously 

upon the offender, and tears and bites nearly in the same 

manner as the Panther. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



227 



Sparrman mentions an animal of this kind, found at 
the Cape of Good Hope, which he calls the Tv^a- Cat, 
and supposes it to be the same with the Serval. 

The same author mentions another animal of this kind 
called at the Cape the Wild Rtcl Cat; the skin of which 
is supposed by the natives to possess great medicinal 
powers^ and give ease to persons afflicted with the gout, 
lumbago, and pains in the joints. The fur is very fine 
and softj and, probably, there are many other skins 
which, if applied with an equal degree of good faith, 
might have the same salutary eilects. 

The colour of the upper part of this creature is of a 
very bright-red; towards the sides it is mixed with white 
and gray; the belly is white; the upper part of the ears, 
which have tufts of hair on their tips, is dark-brown, 
sprinkled with gray. Its body is long, and about two 
feet in height. 



^;^\^v^/ 




22§ 



HISTOJIY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




THE WILD-CAT. 
{Fdis Catus. Lin. — Le Chat sanvage. Buff.) 

Tpie history of this animal is so intimately connected 
with that of the common or domestic kind, that we shall 
include our account of both under one general head, and 
describe them as constituting the same species. 

The domestic Cat, if suffered to escape into the woods, 
becomes wild and lives on small birds and such other 
game as it can find there ; it likewise breeds with the 
wild one. It is no uncommon thing for females of the 
tame species to quit their houses during the time they are 
in season, go in quest of male Wild-Cats, and retu^'u 
to the same habitations impregnated by them. It is by 
this means that some of our domestic Cats so perfectly 
resemble those of the wild breed. 

The hair of the Wild-cat is soft and fine, of a pale- 
yellow colour, mixed with gray; a dusky list runs along 
the middle of the back, from head to tail ; the sides are 
streaked with gray, pointing from the back downwards ; 
the tail isthick^ and marked with alternate bars of black 



HISTORY OF QUAPRUPEDS. 229 

and white. It is larger and stronger than the tame Cat, 
and its fur much longer. 

It inhabits the most mountainous and woody parts of 
this island^ lives in trees and hunts for birds and small 
animals; such as Rabbits, Hares, Rats, Mice, Moles, &c^ 
It frequently makes great havock among poultry, will 
even kill young Lambs, Kids, and Fawns; and is the 
fiercest and most destructive beast of prey in this king- 
dom. 

It is taken either in traps or by shooting. There is 
frequently danger in the latter mode; for, if it be only 
slightly wounded, it will attack the person v/ho has in- 
jured it, and is not easily repelled. 

Wild-Cats are found, with very little variety, in almost 
every climate. — They existed in America before its disco- 
very by the Europeans. One of them was brought to 
Columbus, which was of the ordinary size, of a brown- 
ish-gray colour, with a long tail. — They are common in 
many places of Asia and Africa. Sparrman gives a de- 
scription of one which he shot at the Cape, which was in 
every respect similar to those of this country. It was of 
a gray colour; and measured from the nose to the tail, 
nearly twenty-two inches : The tail was thirteen inches 
long : Its height was about a foot and a half. Its intes- 
tines were full of Moles and Rats. 

Some Wild-Cats have been taken in this kingdom of a 
most enormous size. We recollect one having been kil- 
led in the county of Cumberland, which measured, from 
its nose to the end of its tail, upv^^ards of five feet. 

The province of Chorazan, in Persia, is particularly 
famous tor a most beautiful Cat, about the size of the 

V 3 



•SO 



History of quadrupeds. 



tame one, of a fine gray colour, without any mixture^ 
and as soft and shining as silk. It is darker on the back, 
softening by degsees towards the breast and belly, where 
it is almost white. The tail is long, and covered with 
hair, five or six inches in length. The animal frequent- 
ly turns it upon its back, like a Squirrel j the point of it 
resembling a plume of feathers. 

The Cat of Angora differs greatly from the Wild-Cat, 
m having m.uch longer hair, especially about the neck, 
where it forms a fine ruff, and gives it a Lion-like appear- 
ance. Some of these are of a silvery whiteness, and silky 
texture^ others are of a dun colour, mixed with yellow. 




HISrOliy OF QUADRUPEDS. 



ssx 




iSUimHIUiUiKIUnHM 



THE DOMESTIC CAT, 

Differs from the Wild-Cat, in. being somewhat less; 
and, instead of being uniformly the same, is distinguish- 
ed by a great variety of shades and colouring. 

To describe an animal so well known, might seem a 
superfluous task: we shall only, therefore, select such of 
its peculiarities as are least obvious, and may have esca- 
ped the notice of inattentive observers. 

It is generally remarked, that Cats can see in the dark; 
but, though this is not absolutely the case, yet it is cer- 
tain that they can see with much less light than most 
other animals, owing to the peculiar structure of their 
eyes, the pupils of which are capable of being contracted 
or dilated in proportion to the degree of light by which 
they are affected. The pupil of ihe Cat, during the day 
is perpetually contracted; and it is wiih difficulty that it 
can see by a strong light: Hut in the twilight, the pupil 

V 4 



tSt HISTCRY OP Qt^ADRUpEDS. 

resumes its natural roundness, the animal enjoys perfect 
vision, and takes advantage of this superiority to discover 
and surprise its prey. 

The cry of the Cat is loud, piercing, and clamorous; 
and whether expressive of anger or of love, is equally vio- 
lent and hideous. Its call may be heard at a great dis-' 
tance, and is so well known to the whole fraternity, 
that on some occasions several hundred Cats have been 
brought together from different parts. Invited by the 
piercing cries of distress from a suffering fellow-creature 
they assemble in crowds; and, with loud squalls and 
yells, express their horrid sympathies. They frequently 
tear the miserable object to pieces, and, with the most 
blind and furious rage, fall upon each other, killing and 
w^ounding indiscriminately, till there is scarcely one left. 
These terrible conflicts happen only in the night; and_, 
though rare, instances of vtry furious engagements are. 
well authenticated. 

The Cat is particular averse to water, cold, and bad 
smells. It is fond of certain perfumes, but is more par* 
ticularly attracted by the smell of valerian, marum, and 
cat-mint: It ribs itself against them; and, if not pre- 
vented from coming at them in a garden where they are 
planted, would infallibly destroy the rn. 

The Cat brings forth twice, and sometimes thrice, a 
year. The period of her gestation is fifty-five or fifty-six 
days, and she generally produces five or six at one litter. 
She conceals her kittens from the male, lest he should 
devour them, as he is somet'^mes inclined ; and, if appre- 
hensive of being disturbed, will take them up in her 
month, and remove them one by one to a more secure 
retreat: Even the female herself contrary to to the esta- 



HISTORY or gUADRirpEDS, 23S 

blished law of Nature, which binds the parent to its off- 
spring by an almost indissoluble tie, is sometimes known 
to eat her own young the moment after she has produced 
them. 

Though extremely useful in destroying the vermin that 
infest our houses, the Cat seems little attached to the 
persons of those who aflFord it protection. It seems to be 
under no subjection, and acts only for itself. All its 
views are confined to the place where it has been brought 
up 5 if carried elsewhere, it seems lost and bewildered: 
Neither carresses nor attention can reconcile it to its new 
situation, and it frequently takes the first opportunity of 
escaping to its former haunts. Frequent instances are 
in our recollection, of Cats having returned to the place' 
from whence they had been carried, though at many 
miles distance, and even across rivers, when they could 
not possibly have any knowledge of the road or situation 
that would apparently lead them to it. — ^This extraordina- 
ry faculty is, however, possessed in a much greater de- 
gree by Dogs; yet it is in both animals equally wonder- 
ful and unaccountable. 

In the time of Hoel the Good, King of Wales, who 
died in the year 948, laws were made as well to pre- 
serve, as to fix the difierent prices of animals; among 
which the Cat was included, as being at that period of 
great importance, on account of its scarceness and utility. 
The price of a kitten before it could see was fixed at one 
penny; till proof could be given of its having caught a 
mouse, two-pence ; after which it was rated at four- 
pence, which was a great sum in those days, when the 
value of specie was extremely high : It was likewise re- 
quired, that it should be perfect of its senses of hearing 



234 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



and seeing, should be a good mouser, have its claws 
^hole, and, if a female, be a careful nurse : If it failed 
in any of these good qualities, the seller was to forfeit to 
the buyer the third part of its value. — If any one should 
steal or kill the Cat that guarded the Princess granary, he 
was either to forfeit a milch ewe, her fleece and lamb, 
or as much wheat as, when poured on the Cat suspended 
by its tail (its head touching the floor), would form a 
heap high enough to cover the tip of the former. — From 
hence we may conclude, that Cats were not originally 
natives of these islands ; and, from the great care taken 
to improve and preserve the breed of this prolific creature, 
we may suppose, were but little known at that period. — 
Whatever credit we may allow to the circumstances of 
the well-known story of Whittington and his Cat , it is 
another proof of the great value set upon this animaJ in 
former times. 







HISTORY OF 2UADRUPED§. 



^3^ 




THE LYMX, • 

(Felis LynXy Lin. — Le Lynx, ou Loii^p Cervier, Buff.) 

Differs greatly from every animal of the Cat kind we 
have hitherto described. It^ ears are long and erect, 
tufted at the end with long black hairs, by which this 
species of animals is peculiarly distinguished : The hair 
on the body is long and soft, of a red-ash colour, marked 
with dusky spots, which differ according to the age of 
the creature ; sometimes they are scarcely visible : Its 
legs and feet are very thick and strong ; its tail short, 
and black at the extremity; its eyes are of a pale-yellow 
colour ; and its aspect softer and less ferocious than that 
of the Pantheror the Ounce. The skin of the male is 
more spotted than that of the female. 

The fur is valuable for its softness and warmth, and is 
imported in great quanties from America and the North 
of Europe. The farther North they are taken, the whi- 
ter they are, and the spots more distinct. — The most ele- 



236 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

gant of those is called the Irhys ; and is taken near Lake 
Balkash, in Usbeck Tartary. It is much larger than the 
common kind. Its skin sells in that country, for one 
pound sterling.— The colour of its hair changes with the 
climate and the season. The winter furs are richer and 
more beautiful than those taken in summer. 

The Lynx is said to be very long-lived, is a very de- 
structive animal, lives by hunting, and pursues its prey 
to the tops of the highest trees. It feeds on Weasels, 
Ermines, Squirrels, &c. which are unable to escape it. 
It watches the approach of the Fallow-deer, Hare and 
other animals, and darts upon them from the branches 
of trees, where it lies concealed; and seizes them by the 
throat, and drinks their blood ; after which, it abandons 
them, and goes in quest of fresh game. Its sight is re- 
markable quick, and it sees its prey at a great distance, 
— It often eats no more of a Sheep or a Goat than the 
brain, the liver, and the intestines. It will sometimes 
dig under the doors to gain admission into the sheepfold. 
— When attacked by a Dog, it lies down on its back, 
strikes desperately with its claws, and frequently obliges 
its assailant to retreat. 

Although the Lynx has nothing in common with the 
Wolf, it has been distinguished by the name of Lupus- 
Cervarhis, or the Stag-Wolf. Its manner of howling is 
similar to that of the Wolf; and when heard at a dis- 
tance, is not easily distinguished from the cry of that ani- 
mal. The epithet Cervarius has been added, because its 
skin is variegated with spots like that of a young Stag. 

A variety is found in the inner parts of the state 
of New-York, which is called the Bay LynXy and is a- 
bout twice the size of a lar^e Cat, Its h^ir is short and 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 237 

smooth; its general colour is a bright-bay, obscurely 
marked with dusky spots ; on its face there are black 
stripes, pointing downward towards the nose ; on each 
side of the upper lip it has three rows of small black 
spots, with long whiskers issuing from them ; each cheek 
is marked with long black stripes, of a circular form, 
proceeding from the corners of the eyes ; the under part 
of the body, and insides of the legs, are w^hite; the in- 
side of each fore leg is marked on the upper part with 
two black bars ; its tail, which is short, is marked with 
bars of a dusky colour, and at the end with one of a 
deep-black; the tip and under side are white. 

The Lynxes of our days must be very different animals 
from those which have been described by poets as draw- 
ing the chariot of Bacchus; for, besides the impractica- 
bility of training these animals to the yoke, we find that 
the Lynx is not an inhabitant of India, nor of any of the 
warmer countries of Asia conquered by that hero. — It 
prefers cold to even temperate climates, and is common 
in the forests of the northern parts ot Europe, Asia, and 
America. 

The ancients seem to have given the name o^ Lynx io 
an animal which existed only in imagination, and maybe 
ranked with the other ideal monsters and prodigies, — - 
the Sphynx, the Pegasus, and the Unicorn. — Its sight 
was said to penetrate the most opaque bodies, and its 
urine to be converted into a precious stone. 




£5« 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




THE CARACAL, 

(Le Caracal, BufF,) 

Resembles the Lynx in size, figure, and aspect, as well 
as in having its ears tipt with a pencil of black hairs. — It 
differs from the last-mentioned animal in not being spot- 
ted 5 its hair is rougher, and of a pale reddish-brown , iis 
tail is longer, and of an uniform colour; its face is more 
lengthened, its look more fierce, and its nature and dis- 
position more savage. 

This animal is found only in warm climates, and h 
eommon in Persia, India, Barbary, and in all the coun- 
tries inhabited by the Lion, the Panther, and the Ounce; 
-^It is called in Persia the 'Syak^Gushj and in the Turk- 
ish language, t;ie K<irrah-Kula'i. Both these names sig- 
nify the Cat zvith black ears. — Ix. is said to follow the 
Lion, and to feed on the remains which that animal 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 259 

leaves of his prey , for which reason it is called among 
the Arabs the Lions Guide, . 

The Caracal is about the size of a Fox, but much 
stronger, and more ferocious. It has been known to at- 
tack a Hound^ and instantly tear it to pieces. 

This animal is extremely difficult to tame; but when 
taken young, and reared with great caution, it may be 
trained to the chase. — It is used in taking the smaller 
sort of animals, in which it is very successful; but it is 
active only in the pursuit of those that are too fc^eble for 
resistance, or too timid to exert their powers. When- 
ever it meets with one that is superior to it in strength, it 
ioses its courage, and gives up the chase. — It is likewise 
employed in catching birds ; such as cranes, pelicans, 
peacocks, &c. which it surprises with singular address. — 
When ir has seized its prey, it holds it fast in its mouthy 
and lies upon it for some time quite motionless. 

There are some varieties in this animal. The face of 
the Nubian Caracal is rounder; the ears black on the 
outside, interspersed with silver-coloured hairs ; on. the 
breast, belly, and insides of the thighs, there are small 
bright-yellow spots ; and it has the Mule-cross on the 
withers, like most of the Barbary Caracals. 

In Lybia, there are Caracals with white ears, tufted 
at the end with thin black hairs: They have w^hite tails^ 
the extremities of which are surrounded with four black 
rings; and on the hind part of each leg there are four 
black spots. They are small, not exceeding the size of a 
domestic Cat. 

We have now gone through all the principal varieties, 
which constitute this numerous race; in all ot which, a^i 
lias been alrcadv observed, from the Lion to the common 



240 HISTORY OF JUADRUPEDS. 

Cat, we may perceive a striking similitude in rlispositioflf 
form, and manners. This agreement is likewise observa- 
ble in their internal con^orir.at ion, which is still more ex- 
act, — ^in the shortness of their intestines, the sharpness 
and number of their teeth, and in the structure of their 
feet and claws. They are all equally carnivorous; and 
tear, rather than chew their meat. They eat slowly, and 
growl whilst they feed, as if afraid of losing their prey. 
They are all cowardly, and seldom make an attack but 
where conquest is certain. 

Animals of this race may be considered as the most 
formidable enemies of mankind. There are others more 
powerful, but their dispositions are milder, and they 
seldom offend till they find themselves injured: Others 
are more numerous, but they are weaker, and find their 
safety not in opposing, but in flying from man. These 
are the only quadrupeds that in any degree make good 
their ground against him, and maintain a kind of divided 
sway over many fair and fertile tracts, that seem, in other 
respects, formed for the comfort and convenience of so- 
cial life. 




HISTORY OF gUADRUPEDS. 24l 

AMIMALS OF THE WEASEL Kl^TD. 

These little, active, and enterprising animals are par* 
ticularly distinguished from other carnivorous kinds by 
the length and slenderness of their bodies, which are ad- 
mirably adapted to their manner of living, and methods 
of taking their prey. They are so small and flexible, as 
to wind like worms into very small crevices and open- 
ings ; whither they easily follow the little animals that 
serve them for food. 

All the animals of this kind are furnished with small 
glands, placed near the anus, from which an unctuous 
matter continually exudes: The eifluvia of it is extreme- 
ly offensive in the Polecat, Ferret, Weasel, &:c. -, but in 
the Civet Cat, Martin, and Fine Weasel, it is an agree- 
able perfume. — they are all equally marked for rapine 
and cruelty; they subsist only by theft, and find their 
chief protection in their minuteness. They are all, from 
the shortness of their legs, slow in pursuit; and make up 
that deficiency by patience, assiduity, and cunxiing. 

As their prey is precarious, they can live a long time 
without food. When they fail in with plenty, they im- 
mediately kill every thing within their reach; before they 
begin to satisfy their appetite ; and always suck the blood 
of every animal they kill, before they eat Its flesh. 

These are the principal peculiarities common to this 
kind; all the species of which have so striking a resem* 
blance to each other, that having seen one, we may form 
a very just idea of the rest.— -The most obvious ditfercnce 
consists in their size. W^e i^hall therefore begin with the 
smallest of this numcicous class, and proceed gradually 
U'jwards to the iaireit. 

a 



242 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




THE WEASEL. 



(MusPtia Kivalis, Um.—La Bdclle, Buff.) 

The length of this animal does not exceed seven 

inches, from the ncse to the tail, which is onJy two 

" inches and a half Jong, and ends in a point: its height 

is not above two inches and a half; so that it is nearly 

five times as long as it is high. 

The most prevailing colour of the Weasel is a pale 
reddish-brown on the back, sides, and k^gs ; the throat 
and beilv are vchite; beneath the corners of the mouth, 
on each jaw, is a spot oF brown. It has whiskers, like a 
Cat: Its ears are large, and have a fold at the lowxr 
part, that gives them the appearance of being doable ; 
its eyes are small, round, and black; its teeth are thirty- 
two in number, and extremely sharp. 

The Weasel is very common, and well knovi^n in most 
parts of this country; is very destructive to young birds, 
poultry, rabbits, &€.; and is a keen devourer of eggs, 
which it sucks with great avidity. It will follow^ a Hare, 
which is terrified into a state of absolute imbecility at the 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 243 

sight of this little animal, and gives itself up to it with- 
out resistance^ making at the same time the most piteous 
outcries. 

The bite of the Weasel is generally fatal. It seizes its 
prey near the head, and fixes its sharp teeth into a vital 
part. A Hare, Rabbit, or any other small animal, bit in 
this manner, is never known to recover; but lingers for 
some time, and dies. The wound is so small, that the 
place where the teeth enter can scarcely be perceived. 

It is remarkably active, and will run up the sides of a 
Wall with such facility, that no place is secure from it. 

The Weasel is very useful to the farmer, and is much 
encouraged by him. During winter it frequents his barns, 
out-houses and granaries; which it effectually clears of 
Rats and Mice. It is, indeed, a more deadly eiiemy to 
them than even the Cat itself; for being more active 
and slender, it pursues them into their holes and kills 
them after a short resistance. It creeps also into pigeon 
holes, and destroys the young ones; catches sparrows, 
and all kinds of small birds ; and when it has brought 
forth its young, it hunts with still greater boldness and 
avidity. — In summer, it ventures at a distance from its 
usual haunts ; is frequently found by the side of waters, 
near corn-mills; and is almost sure to follow wherever a 
swarm of rats has taken possession cf any place. 

The evening is the time when it begins its depreda- 
tions. Towards the close of the day it may frequently 
be seen stealing from its hole, and creeping about the 
farmer's yard in search oFits prey. If it enter the place 
where poultry are kept, it seldom attacks the cocks or 
the old hens, but always aims at the young ones. It 



244 HISTORY OF Q^V AVKVTEDS. 

does not eat its prey on the spot where it has killed it ; 
but, where it is not too large, carries it away to its re- 
treat. It also breaks and sucks all the eggs it can meet 
with ; and, not unfrequently, kills the hen that attempts 
to defend them. 

The Weasel is a wild and untractable little animal. 
When kept in a cage, it seems in a continual state of 
agitation, is terrified at the sight of every person that 
approaches to look at it, and hides itself in the wool or 
hay which is given to it for that purpose. 

It conveys all its food to its hiding-place, and will not 
touch it till it begin to putrefy. — It passes the greatest 
part of the day in sleeping, and usually employs the night 
in exercise and eating. 

The female brings forth in the spring, and generally 
produces four or five at one litter. She prepares a bed 
for them, of straw, leaves, and moss. The young are 
brought forth blind, but very soon acquire strength 
enough to follow their dam, and assist in her excuri^ions. 
They will attack serpents, water-rats, moles, field-mice, 
fee; They overrun the meadows, and frequently kill 
the partridges, and suck their ^ggs. 

The motion of the Weasel consists of unequal and pre- 
cipitant leaps; and, in climbing a tree. It makes a consi- 
derable spring of some f^et from the ground. It jumps 
in the same manner upon its prey ; and being extremely 
limber, evades the attempts of much stronger animals to 
seize it. 

We are told, that an eagle having seized a Weasel, 
mounted into the air with it, aiid was soon after observed 
to be in great distress. Its little enemy had extricated it- 
self so tar, as to be able to bite it severely in the throat; 



JHISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 245 

Vvhich presently brought the eagle to the ground, and 
gave the Weasel an opportunity of escaping. 

Notwithstanding the wildness of its nature, there are 
not wanting instances to prove, that it is capable of being 
thoroughly tamed. M. Baffon, who asserted the impossi- 
bility of bringing the Weasel into any degree of subjec- 
tion, is afterwards corrected by a iady, who assures him, 
that she had tried the experiment upon a young Weasel 
taken in her garden; which soon learned to recognise 
and lick the hand from which it received its food, and 
became as familiar, caressing, and frolicsome as a Dog or 
a Squirrel. The same author mentions another experi- 
ment, made by a gentleman, who trained a young Wea- 
sel so completely, that it followed him wherever he went. 
— The method of taming them is to stroke them gently 
over the back, and to threaten, and even to beat them, 
when they bite. 

These facts may serve to shew the possibility of render- 
ing this animal domestic; and hold cut a useful hint to 
us, that its services might be very great in clearing ships, 
granaries, and other places, from the vermin with which 
they are frequently infected : For it is very well known, 
that one of these animals will kill more rats and mice 
than any Cat, being better able to pursue them into their 
holes and lurking-places. 

The odour of the AVeasel is very strong, especially in 
the summer time, or when it is irritated or pursued ; it is 
then intolerable, and may be smelt at some distance. 

The foliovving circumstance, related by Buffon, will 
shew that this animal has a natural attachment to every 
thing that is corrupt ;-~A Weasel was taken in his ncigU- 

Q :' 



246 HISTORY or 5UADRUPEDS. 

bourhoood, with three young ones, out of the carcase of a 
Wolf that had been hung on a tree by the hind feet. 
The Wolf was almost entirely putrefied; and the Weasel 
had made a nest of leaves and herbage for her young in 
the thorax of the putrid carcase. 







THE STOAT. 
(Miistela Erminea^ Lin. — Le Rosekty BufF.) 

The difference in shape between this animal and the 
Weasel is so small, that they have frequently been de- 
scribed under the same denomination ; the small Stoat 
being sometimes mistaken for a Weasel. 

Its length is about ten inches; the tail five inches and 
a half, very hairy, and tipt with black at the end ; the 
edges, of the ears, and ends of the toes, are of a yellow- 
ish-white : In other respects, it perfectly resembles the 
Weasel in colour as well as form. 



HISTOIIY OF (QUADRUPEDS- 247 

In the most northern parts of Europe, it regularly 
changes its colour in winter, and becoines perfectly 
white, except the end of the tail, which remains inva- 
riably black. It is then called the Ermine^ and is much 
sought after for its valuable fur, which makes a consider- 
able article of commerce in Norway, Lipland, Russia, 
and other cold countries ; where it is found in prodigious 
numbers. It is also very common in Kamschatka and 
Siberia, and is taken in traps baited with iiesh. I'he 
skins are sold in the country for from two to three pounds 
sterling per hundred. — In Norway, they are either shot 
with blunt arrows, or taken in traps made of two flat 
stones, one being propped up with a stick, to which is 
fastened a baited string ; and as soon as the animal be« 
gins to nibble, the stone falls down, and crushes it to 

death. —The Stoat is likewise found white in the winter 

time in Great Britain, and is then erroneously called a 
JV/nte Weasel. Its fur, however, among us, is of little 
value, having neither the thickness, the closeness, nor the 
whiteness, of those which come from Siberia. 

One of them, which we had in our possession, had en- 
tirely assumed its winter robe; but with a considerable 
mixture of yellow, especially on the top of the head and 
back. 

They begin to change from brown to white in Novem- 
ber, and resume their summer vesture in March. 

The natural history of this animal is much the same 
with that of the Weasel ; its food being young birds, 
rabbit?, mice, &c.; its agility the same j and its scent 
equally fetid. 

Q 4 



24B HISTORY OF QUADRUPED?. 



THE FERRET, 
(Mustda Faro, Lin. — Le Furet, BufF.) 

Is only known to us in a kind of domestic state.— It is 
originally a m^ive of Africa; from whence, according to 
Strabo, it was brought into Spain ; and, from its known 
enmity to the Rabbit, was made use of to reduce the num- 
bers of them with which that kingdom abounded.' It has 
since been employed for the same purpose in various parts 
of Europe ; but as it is not able to bear the severity of 
a cold climate, it cannot subsist without great care and 
shelter. It is usually kept in a box, with woo] ; of which 
it makes itself a warm bed. It sleeps a great part of the 
day; and the moment it awakes, seems eager for its food, 
which is commonly bread and milk. 

It breeds twice a year. The female goes six weeks 
wiih young. Some of them devour their offspring as 
soon as they are brought forth; when they immediately 
come in wesson again, and have three litters, which gene- 



HISTORY OF S^UADRUPEDS. 24^ 

rally consist of five or six, but sometimes seven or eight, 
and even nine. 

It is apt to degenerate in this country, and lose in 
some degree its ferocity. Warreners are therefore obli- 
ged to procure an intercourse between tne female and the 
Foumart. The produce is a breed of a much darker co- 
lour than the Ferret, partaking more of that of the Fou- 
mart. 

Its length is about fourteen inches; that of the tail 
five: Its nose is sharper than that of the Weasel or the 
Foumart ; its ears are round ; and its eyes red and fiery: 
The colour of the whole body is a very pale yellow. 

The Ferret is naturally such an enemy to the Rabbit, 
that if a dead Rabbit be laid before a young Ferret, it 
instantly seizes upon it, although it has never seen one 
before : if a living Rabbit be presented to it, the Ferret 
is still more eager, seizes it by the neck, winds itself 
round it, and continues to suck its blood till it be sa- 
tiated — When employed in the business of the warren, 
it must be muzzled, that it may not kill the Rabbits in 
their holes, but only oblige them to come out, that the 
warrener may catch them in his nets. If the Ferret be 
suffered to go in without a muzzle, or should disengage 
itself from it whilst in the hole, there is great danger of 
losing it : For, after satisfying itself wi^i blood, it falls 
asleep, and it is then almost impossible to come at it. — 
The most usual methods of recovering the Ferret are, 
by digging it out, or smoking the hole. If these do not 
succeed, it continues during the summer among the Rab- 
bit holes, and lives upon the prey it finds there ; but 
being unable to endure the coldot the winter, is sureto 
perish. 



^5^ HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

It Is sometimes employed with great success in killing 
Rats, and is frequently kept in granaries and miils for 
that purpose. It is extremely vigilant in the pursuit of 
them and will not suffer one to live where it is.— A 
young Ferret, after it has seized a Rat, will suffer itself 
to be dragged by it a considerable way before it has kil- 
led it, which it never fails to do in a short time. 

If the Ferret could be kept warm enough at sea, it 
might be extremely serviceable in destroying the Rats, 
w^hich frequently commit such great depredations on 
board of ships, and have sometimes been the occasion of 
their total loss. 

The Ferret, though easily tamed, is soon irritated. — Its 
odour is fetid; its nature voracious; it is tame without 
attachment 5 and such is its appetite for biood, that it 
has been known to attack and kill children in the cradle. 
— When angry, it is apt to bite j and the wound is diffi- 
cult to cure. 

The Madagascar JVeasid, or Vansire of M. Buffon, may 
be referred to this species; to which its size and form 
nre strikingly similar. — It is about fourteen inches in 
length : The hair is of a dark-brown colour, mixed with 
black: It differs from the Ferret in the number of its 
grinding-teeth, which amount to twelve ; whereas, in the 
Ferret, there are but eight: The tail is longer than that 
of the Ferret, and better furnished with hair. 

The same author mentions another animal of this spe- 
cies under the name of the Nems, which is a native of 
Arabia. — It resembles the Ferret in every thing but the 
colour, being of a dark-brown, mixed whh white; the 
belly is of a bright-yellow colour^ without any mixture; 
th^ prevailing colour on the head and round the eyes is a 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



251 



clear yellow; on the nose, cheeks, and other parts of the 
face where the hair is short, a tincture of brown more or 
less prevails, and terminates gradually above the eyes; 
the legs are covered with short hair, of adeep-yellowco* 
lour; on each foot there are four toes, and a small one 
behind; the claws are small and black; the tail, which 
is more than double the length of that of the Ferret is 
very thick at its origin, terminates in a point, and is co- 
vered with long hair, similar to that on the body.. 




«5« 



HISTORY OF (QUADRUPEDS. 




c:':;^^'rrrs^^^:3^iv ^^"^^3;^ 



THE FOUMART, 

( Mustela-Putoriuly Lin. — L/f Pidois, Buff.) 

So called from its offensive smell, as well as to distin- 
guish it from the Martin, to which it bears a strong re- 
semblance. It is likewise called the Polecat or Fitchef. 

Its length is about seventeen inches, exclusive of the 
tail, which is six inches; its eyes are small, very bril- 
liant, and, when the animal is irritated or afraid, shine in 
the dark with singular lustre; its ears are short, broad, 
and tipt with white on their edges; it is white about the 
mouth; the rest of the body is for the most part of a 
deep-chocolate colour; the sides are covered with hairs 
of two colours ; the ends being dark like the rest of the 
body, and the middle of a full tawny colour. 

The shape of the Foumart, like all others of this ge- 
nus, is long and slender, the nose sharp-pointed, and the 
legs short; the toes are long, and the claws sharp. It is 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 253 

in every respect admirably formed for that peculiar mode 
of life assigned to it by the all-wise Author of Nature. 

It is very active and nimble, runs very fast, and will 
creep up the sides of walls with great agility. In run- 
ning, its belly seems to touch the ground -, in preparing 
to jump, it arches its back, and makes its spring with 
great force. 

It is very destructive to poultry, pigeons, and young 
ga p.e of all kinds. It makes great havock amongst Rab- 
bits; and its thirst for blood is so great, that it kills ma- 
ny more than it can eat. One or two of them will al- 
most destroy a whole warren. 

It is never seen abroad in the day-time, tJnless forced 
from its hole; and is seldom hunted but in the winter, 
being at that sea'son easily found by tracing its footsteps 
in the snow, — -It generally resides in woods or thick 
brakes ; where it burrows under ground, forming a shal- 
low retreat about two yards in length, commonly ending 
among the roots of trees. 

In /.he winter season, it frequents houses, barns, &c. 
feeding on poultry, eggs, and sometimes milk. — But it 
has another mode of procuring subsistence, which has 
hitherto escaped the observation of the naturalist; and 
which, though singular, we can vouch for the truth of. 
During a severe storm, one of these animals was traced 
in the snow from the side of a rivulet to its hole, at some 
distance from it: As it was observed to have made fre- 
quent trips, and as other marks were to be seen in the 
snow which could not easily be accounted for, it was 
thought a matter worthy of greater attention : Its hole 
was accordingly examined, the Foumart taken and ele- 
ven fine eels were discovered to be the fruits oF its noc- 



^54 HISTORY OF OUADRUPEDS. 

turnal excursions. The marks in the snow were found 
to have been made by the motion of the eels in the crea- 
ture's mouth. 

From the above curious circumstance, we have given 
a representation of this animal (which was drawn from 
the life) in possession of this singular booty — It may be 
matter of amusing investigation for some future naturalist 
to enquire by what arts this wily animal finds a booty so 
apparently difficult to attain. 

In attending to the instinctive faculties of animals, 
there is room for deep and diligent enquiry ; and, though 
our progress is hable to many interruptions, it is a de- 
lightful task to follow the workings of Nature through all 
her intricate and curious windings: Every step we gain 
is a sufficient reward for our trouble, and leads us to 
admire the wisdom and goodness of that Dispensation 
which furnishes every creature with sufficient and am* 
pie powers to provide for all its wants, necessities, and 
comforts. 

The female Foumart brings forth in the summer, ge- 
nerally five or six at a time. She suckles them but a 
short time, and accustoms them early to live upon blood 
and eggs. 

Though the smell cf this animal is rank and disagree- 
able, even to a proverb, yet the skin is drest with the hair 
on, and used as other furs, without retaining its offensive 
odour. 

The Foumart is very fierce and bold. When attacked 
by a dog, it will defend itself with great spirit, attack in 
its turn, and fasten upon the nose of its enemy with so 
keen a bite, as frequently to oblige him to desist. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 



^55 




THE PIJfE-WEASEL OR YELLOW- 
BREASTED MARTIJr, 

(La Martc Buff.) 

Inhabits the North of Europe, Asia, and America; It 
is likewise found in Great-Britain, but is not numerous 
there.— It lives chiefly in large forests, especially where 
the pine-tree abounds, of the tops of which it is very 
fond. 

North-America abounds with these animals. Prodi- 
gious numbers of their skins are annually imported from 
thence: Above thirty thousand skins have been brought 
over from Canada in one year, and from Hudson's Bay 
nearly fi'teen thousand in the same time. 

The principal difference between the Pine- Weasel and 
the Martin is in the colour. The breast of the former is 
yellowy the colour of the body much darker; and the 
fur, in general, greatly superior in fineness, beauty, and 
value. 



256 HISTORY OF (JUADRUPEDS. 

THE MARTI M, 
(Mustela Maries, Lin.*^Za Fouin€y Buff.) 

Is much more common in this country than the Pine- 
Weasel. — It hves wholly in woods, and breeds in the hol- 
lows of ti'ees. It produces from four to six young ones 
at a time. 

This species is the most beautiful of all the Weasel 
kind. Its head is small, and elegantly formed ; its eyes 
are lively : and its motions quick and graceful. 

When taken young, it is easily tamed, and becomes 
extremely playful and good-humoured. Its attachment, 
however, is not to be depended upon. It readily takes 
advantage of the first opportunity to regain its liberty^ 
and retire to the woods, its natural haunts. 

The food of the Martin is much the same with other 
animals of its kind. It makes incessant war with Rdts, 
Mice, and other vermin: Poultry, game and small birds 
are its constant prey. It feeds also on grain, and is ex- 
tremely fond of honey. 

M. Buifon tells us of one of them that he had tamed, 
which, he remarks, drank frequently.. It sometimes 
slept two days successively, and at other times would 
continue awake as long. In preparing itself for sleep, it 
folded itself up in a round form, and covered its head 
with its tail. When awake, its motions were so violent, so 
constant, and so troublesome, that it was necessary to 
keep it chained. From the flexibility of its body, it ea- 
sily eluded its fetters; and after returning once or twice, 
it at last absented itself entirely. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



257 



The Martin is about eighteen inches long; the tail 
ten, and full of hair, especially towards the end, which 
is thick and bushy ; the ears are broad, rounded, and 
open; the body is covered with a thick fur, of a dark 
brown colour; the head brown, mixed with red; the 
throat and breast are white ; the belly is of the same co- 
lour with the back, but a little paler; the feet are broad 
and covered on the under side with a thick fur; the 
claws white, large, and sharp, well adapted for climbing 
trees, which in this country are its constant residence. 

The skin and excrements have an agreeable musky 
$cent, and are entirely free from that rankness which is 
so disgusting in other animals of this kind. Its fur is 
valuable, and in high estimation. 




R 



S5B ' HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 







THE SABLE, 

{Mustela Zlhellina, Lin.— Za Zibeline, BufF.) 

So highly esteemed for its skin, is a native of the snowy 
regions of the North: It is found chiefly in Siberia, 
Kamschatka, and some of the islands which lie between 
that country and Japan. It is also found in Lapland. 

The darkest furs are the most valuable. A single skin 
though not above four inchesbroad, is sometimes valued 
as high as fifteen pounds. The Sable differs from all 
other furs in this, that the hair turns with equal ease to 
either side. 

- The Sable resembles the Martin in form, and is about 
the same size. It lives in holes in the earth, by the 
banks of rivers, and under the roots of trees. It makes 
its nest of moss, small twigs, and grass. 

The female brings forth in the spring, and produces 
from three to five at one time. Sometimes, like the 
Martin, it forms its nest in the hollow of a tree. 

It is very lively and active, and leaps with great agi- 
lity from tree to tree, in pursuit of small birds, wood- 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 259 

cocks, squirrels, &c. It likewise lives upon rats, fishes, 
pine tops, and wild fruits. 

It is affirmed by naturalists, that the Sable is not a- 
verse to the watery and, from the fineness and closeness 
of its fur, there is great reason to suppose that it is much 
accustomed to that element, from which it also derives 
a part of its subsistence : And as a farther proof that 
this animal is in some degree amphibious, we are told by 
travellers^, that it is very numerous in small islands^ 
where the hunters go in quest of them. It is mentioned 
by Aristotle, as a water animal, and is described by him 
under the name of Sathcrius. 

The hunting of the Sables is chiefly carried on by cri* 
minals confined to the desart regions of Siberia, or by 
soldiers sent thither for that purpose, who generally re- 
main there several years. They are obliged to furnish a 
certain quantity of fars, and shoot with a single ball, 
to injure the skin as little as possible. They frequently 
take them in traps, or kill them with blunt arrows. — As 
an encouragement to the hunters, they are allowed to 
share among them.selves whatever skins they take above 
the allotted number; and this in a few years, amounts 
to a considerable premium. — The hunters form them- 
selves into small troops, each of which is directed by a 
leader of their own chusing. 

The season of hunting is from November to February; 
for at that time the Sables are in the highest perfection r 
Those caught at any other time of the year are full of 
short hairs, and are sold at inferior prices. The best 

* Avrll's Travels, p. 140. 

R 2 



SSO HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

skins are such as have only long hair, which is always 
black, and of a glossy brightness. Old furs do not retain 
their gloss. — Both the Russians and Chinese have a me- 
thod of dying their furs ; but the dyed sables are easily 
discovered, having neither the smoothness nor the bright- 
ness of the natural hair. 

The bellies of the Sables, which are sold in pairs, are 
about two fingers in breadth, and are tied together in 
bundles of forty pieces, which are sold at from one to 
two pounds sterling. The tails are sold by the hundred, 
from four to eight pounds. 

There are instances of Sables being found of a snowy 
whiteness^ but they are rare, and bought only as curi- 
osities. 

The hunters of these animals are frequently obliged to 
endure the utmost extremity of cold and hunger in the 
pursuit of their booty. They penetrate deep into im- 
mense woods, where they have no other method of find- 
ing their way back but by marking the trees as they ad- 
vance: If this should by any means fail them, they are 
inevitably lost. They sometimes trace the Sables on the 
new-fallen snow to their holes, place their nets at the 
entrance, and wait frequently two or three days before 
the animal comes out.— It has happened by the failure 
of their provisions, that these poor wretches have been 
reduced to the necessity of tying thin boards tight to their 
stomachs to prevent the cravings of appetite. — Such are 
the hardships our fellow-creatures undergo to supply the 
wants of the vain and luxuriant! 

An animal, similar to the Sable, is mentioned by Mr. 
Pennant under the name of the Fisher, It is found in 
North- America 3 and, by the number of skins imported. 



HISTORY OF gUADRUPEDS. 9,6l 

must be very numerous there, nearly six hundred of them 
having been brought in one season from New- York and 
Pennsylvania. — The hair on the body is mostly black ; the 
sides brown ; the ears are broad and round, dusky on 
their outsides, and edged with white; the face and sides 
of the neck pale-brown, mixed with black; the feet are 
very broad, and covered with hair, even to their soles; 
the tail is full and bushy; the length from nose to tail, 
is twenty-eight inches; the tail seventeen. 




THE ICHJfEUMOJ^. 

(Viverra Ichneumon, Lin.— La Mangoiiste, Buff.) 

This animal, in Egypt, is domestic, like the Cat ; and 
is retained by the natives for the same useful purposes of 
clearing their houses of rats and mice. — With all the 
strength and agility of the Cat, it has a more general ap- 
petite for carnage. It attacks, without dread, the most 
deadly serpents, and preys on every noxious reptile of 
the torrid zone, which it seizes and kills with great avi- 
dity. — It is said, tliat when it is wounded by a serpent, 

R 3 



262 HISTORY OF gUADRUPEDS. 

and begins to feel the effect of the poison, it immediate- 
ly has recourse to a certain root, which the Indians call 
after its name, and assert that it is an antidote for the 
bite of any venomous reptile. 

The Ichneumon is the most formidable enemy of the 
Crocodile: It destroys its eggs, which it digs out of the 
sand, where they are laid to hatch by the heat of the 
sun; and kills great numbers of young Crocodiles soon 
after their production, before they are able to reach the 
water. It was for this reason that the ancient Egyptians 
worshipped this animal, and ranked the Ichneumon 
among those deities that were most propitious to them. 

In its domestic state, it is perfectly tame and gentle. 
M. d'Obsonville speaks of one which he reared from a 
young one. It became tamer than a Cat, was obedient 
to the call of its master, and followed him wherever he 
went. One day he brought a small water-serpent alive, 
being desirous to know how far its instinct would carry 
it against a being with whom it was hitherto entirely un- 
acquainted. Its first emotion seemed to be astonishment 
mixed with anger: Its hair became erect; in an instant 
it slipped behind the reptile ; and, with remarkable swift- 
ness and agility, leaped upon its head, seiared it, and 
crushed it with its teeth. This first essay seemed to have 
awakened in it its natural appetite for blood, which till 
then had given way to the gentleness of its education r 
It no longer suffered the poultry, among which it was 
brought up, to pass unregarded ; but took the first oppor- 
tunity, when it was alone, to strangle them : It eat a part 
of their flesh, and drank only the blood of.others. 

These animals are numerous in all the southern re- 
gions of Asia, from Egypt to the island of Java: They 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 263 

are also found in Africa^ in the country about the Cape 
of Good Hope. — They frequent the banks of rivers, are 
fond offish, are said to take the water hke an Otter, and 
will continue in it a considerable time without rising to 
take breath. 

The Ichneumon varies in size. The domestic kind is 
generally larger than those that are wild, and its colours 
more variegated. It is in general about the size of a 
common Cat^ somewhat longer in the body, and shorter 
in the legs. Its fur contains tints of white, brown, 
fawn-colour, and a dirty silver-gray, which altogether 
form a mixture very agreeable to the eye. Its form is 
like that of the Polecat. Its eyes are small, but inflamed 
and sparkle with a singular vivacity; its nose is long and 
slender; its ears small, rounded, and almost naked; its 
tail is very thick at the base, and tapers to a point; un- 
nerneath the tail is an orifice, from w^hich a most fetid 
humour is secreted ; its claws are long. — It darts upon 
its prey like an arrow, and seizes it with inevitable cer- 
tainty. 

It has a small soft voice, somewhat like a murmur; 
and, unless struck or irritated, never exerts it. Wlien 
it sleeps, it folds itself up like a ball, and is not easily 
awaked. It frequently sits up like a Squirrel, and feeds 
itself with its fore feet; catches any thing that is thrown 
to it ; and will often feign itself dead, till its prey come 
within its reach. 



R 4 



264 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 







THE FOSSAME, 

(La Fossane, BufF.) 

Is rather smaller than the Martin. Its body is slender, 
and covered with hair of an ash colour, mixed with taw- 
ny ; the sides of the face are black ; at the hind part 
of the head there are four black lines, extending from 
thence toward the shoulders; the tail is long, and annu- 
lated with black; its eye is full, round, and black, which 
gives it a wild and mischievous aspect. 

It inhabits the island of Madagascar, Guinea, Cochin- 
china, and the Philippine Isles. It feeds on flesh and 
fruits, but prefers the latter, and is pecuHarly fond of 
bananas. It is very fierce, and not easily tamed. 

In Guinea, it is called the Be7'be ; and, by Europeans, 
the Wine-hibber, being very greedy of palm- wine — When 
young, its flesh is reckoned very good to eat. 




HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



26'5 




THE SKUNM:. 
(Viverra Tutor ius^ Lin. — Le Conepate, Buff.) 

It is called the Chinche by the natives of Brazil, and is 
about the size of a common Cat. Its nose is long and 
slender, and extends a considerable way beyond the lower 
jaw; its ears are large, short, and rounded; a white 
stripe extends from the nose over the forehead and along 
the back, where it is intersected with a small line of 
black, commencing at the tail, and extended upwards 
along the middle of the back; its belly and legs are 
black ; its hair is long, especially on the tail, which is 
thick and bushy. 

It inhabits Peru, Brazil, and other parts of South- 

America ; and is likewise found in North-America, as 
far as Canada. 

It is remarkable for a most intolerable, suffocating, fe- 
tid vapour, which it emits from behind, when attacked, 
pursued, or frightened. The stench of this effluvia is in- 
suppqrtable, and is the creature's best means of defence. 



^6^6 HISTORY OF 2^'ADRUPEDS. 

There are three or four varieties, mentioned by M. 
Buffon under the name of the Stinking Polecats ; all of 
which possess this vponderful faculty of annoying their 
enemies from the same quarter. 

Some turn their tail to their pursuers, and emit a most 
horrible steach, v/hich keeps both dogs and men at a 
considerable distance. Others eject their urine to the 
distance of several feet; and it is of so virulent a qua- 
lity, as almost to occasion blindnes;?, if any of it should 
happen to fall into the eyes. Clothes infected with it, 
retain the smell for many days- No washing can make 
them sweet ; but they must be even buried in fresh soil 
before they can be thoroughly cleansed. Dogs that are 
not properly bred, turn back as soon as they perceive the 
smell : Those that have been accustomed to it, will kill 
the animal ; but are obliged to relieve themselves by 
thrusting their noses into the ground. 

The Stifling or Squashy which is the second variety, is 
nearly of the same size with the Skunk. Its hair is long, 
and of a deep-brown colour. It lives in holes and clefts 
of rocks, where the female brings forth her young. It is 
a native of Mexico, and feeds on beetles, worms, and 
small birds. It destroys poultry, of w^hich it only eats 
the brains. When afraid or irritated, it voids the same 
offensive kind of odour, which no creature dares venture 
to approach. Professer Kalm was in danger of being 
suffocated by one that was pursued into a house where he 
slept ; and it affected the cattle so much, that they bel- 
lowed through pain. Another, which was killed by a 
maid-servant in a cellar, so affected her with its stench, 
that she lay ill for several days. All the provisions that 



HISTORY OP QUADRUPEDS. 2G7 

were in the place were so tainted by the smelly as to be 
utterly unfit for use. 

Another variety is called the Conepate, and is, perhaps, 
no more than the female of the last-mentioned animal. 
It is somewhat smaller £.nd differs chiefly from the 
Squash in being marked with five parallel wbite Irnes^ 
which run along its back and sides from head to tail. 

It is a native of North-America. — When attacked^ it 
bristles up its hair, throws itself into a round form^ and 
emits an odour which no creature can support. 

The last of this pestiferous family which we shall men* 
tion is the ZorUla, 

This animal is a native of New-Spain, where it is cal- 
led the Mariputa. It is found on the banks of the river 
Oronoque; and, although extremely beautiful, it is at 
the same time the most offensive of all creatures. Its bo- 
dy is beautifully marked with white stripes upon a black 
ground, running from the head to the middle of the 
back, from whence they are crossed with other white 
bands, which cover the lower part of the back and 
flanks: Its tail is long and bushy, black as far as the 
middle, and white to its extremity. Jt is an active and 
mischievous little animal. Its stench is said to extend to 
a considerable distance, and is so powerful, as to over- 
come even the Panther of America, which is one of its 
greatest enemies. 

Notwithstanding this offensive quahty in these animals, 
they are frequently tamed, and will follow their master. 
They do not emit their odour, unless when beaten or ir- 
ritated. They are frequently killed by the native In- 
dians, who immediately cut away the noxious glands: 
thereby preventing the flesh, which is good eating, froi\ 



^68 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

being iafected. Its taste is said nearly to resemble the 
flavour of a young Pig, The savage Indians make 
purses of their skins. 




THE GEJfET, 

(Viverra Gtnettay Lin.— Ziz Genette, BufF.) 

Is as much distinguished for the agreeable perfume which 
it yields, as those we have just described are for the rank- 
est and most disagreeable odour in nature. 

The body of the Genet is longer than that of the Mar- 
tin ^ its head is long and slender, with a sharp muzzle j 
its ears are a little pointed, its hair soft, smooth, and 
shining^ of a tawny-red colour, spotted with blacky a- 
long the ridge of the back there is a kind of mane of 
long hair, which forms a black line from head to tail; 
the spots on the sides are round and distinct, those on 
the back almost cl^se; its tail is long, and marked with 
seven or eight nngs of black. From an orifice beneath 
its tail, it yields a kind of perfume, which sm.ells faintly 
of musk. 



HISTORY OF (JUADRUPEDS, 



269 



It is found in Turkey, Syria, and Spain. — We are told 
by Belon, that he saw Genets in the houses at Constanti- 
iiople as tame as Cats; and that they were useful to the 
inhabitants in destroying Rats, Mice, and other vermin. 

It is a most beautiful, cleanly, and industrious animal, 
and very active in pursuing its prey. Its nature is mild 
And gentle, its colours beautifully variegated, and its fur 
valuable. Upon the whole it seems to be one of those 
animals that, with proper care and attention, might be- 
come a useful addition to our stock of domestic quadru- 
peds. 




£7<^ 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




'"j'^r."^" Uji>v\ \«> 



THE CIVET, 



(Viverra Zibetha, Lin. — La Civettey BufF.) 

Is larger than the Genet, and yields a perfume in much 
greater quantities, and of a stronger quality. 

Though originally a native of the warm climates of 
Africa, or Asia, it can live in temperate, and even in cold 
countries ; but it must be fed with nourishing diet, and 
carefully defended from the severities of the weather. 

Numbers of them are kept in Holland, for the purpose 
of collecting this valuable perfume. The civet procured 
at Amsterdam is more esteemed than that which comes 
from the Levant, or India, being less adulterated. — To 
collect this perfume, the Civet is put into a cage, so nar- 
row, that it cannot turn itself: The cage is opened at 
one end, and the animal drawn backwards by the tail, 
and securely held by its hind legs: A small spoon is then 
introduced into the pouch which contains the perfume, 
with which it is carefully scraped, and the matter put in- 
to a vessel properly secured. This operation is perform- 
ed two or three times a week. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 27 1 

The quantity of odorous humour depends much on the 
quahty of the nourishment and the appetite of the ani- 
mal, which always produces more in proportion to the 
goodness of its food. Boiled flesh, eggs, rice, small ani- 
mals, birds, and particularly fish, are the kinds of food 
the Civet mostly delights in; and these ought to be va- 
ried, so as to excite its appetite, and preserve its health. 
It requires very little w^ater; and, though it drinks sel- 
dom, it discharges its urine frequently. It is somewhat 
remarkable, that in this operation the male is not to be 
distinguished from thefemale.— From this circumstance, 
it has been supposed that this was the Hyaia of the an- 
cients; and it is certain, that most of the fables related 
concerning that monster are in a certain way applicable 
to the Civet. 

The ancients were well acquainted wdth the pomatum 
of the Civet, and ascribed to it certain powers of exciting 
love ; for which purpose it still constitutes one of the 
luxuries of the East. 

What has been fabulously related concerning the un- 
certainty of sex in the Hyena, applies much more strong- 
\y to the Civet; for in the male nothing appears exter- 
nally but three apertures, so perfectly similar to those of 
the female, that it is impossible to distinguish the sex 
otherwise than by dissection. 

The perfume of this animal is 30 strong, that it infects 
every part of its body: The hair and the skin are so tho- 
roughly penetrated with it, that they retain it long after 
being taken from the body. U a person be shut up in 
the same apartment, it is almost insupportable; and, 
when heated with rage, it becomes still more pungent. 



272 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



The Civet is naturally savage, and somewhat fero« 
cious; yet it is easily tamed, so as to be handled with- 
out danger. 

The teeth are strong and sharps but its claws are 
weak. It is very active and nimble, leaps like a Cat, 
and runs with great swiftness. Ir lives by hunting; sur- 
prises small animals and birds; and, like the Weasel, 
will sometimes steal into the yard, and carry off poultry. 
— Its eyes shine in the dark; and it is probable, that it 
can see well enough to pursue its prey during the night 
as it is known to be most active at that time. 

The Civet is very prolific in its native climate; but 
though it lives and produces its perfume in temperate re- 
gions, it is never known to breed there. — Its voice is 
stronger than that of the Cat, and has some resemblance 
to the cry of an enraged Dog. 




HISTORY OF gUADRUPEDS. ^7S 




THE ZIBET. 

(Le Zibet, BufF,) 

Is so similar to the Civet as to be considered by some 
authors as only a variety of that animal; and it must be 
allowed that they have many essential relations, both 
in their external and internal structure j but they diiFer 
from each other by such distinguishing characteristics, 
as entitle them to be regarded as tv^o distinct species. 
The ears of the Zibet are larger and more erect; and its 
muzzle is thinner and flatter: Its body is longer than 
that of the Civet; and its tail, which is longer, is mark- 
ed with annular spots, like that of the Genet: It has no 
mane or long hair on the neck and spine; and its hair 
is shorter and softer. 

The perfume of the Zibet is peculiarly violent and 
piercing, beyond that of either the Civet or the Genet. — 
This odorous liquor is found in a fissure near the organs 
of generation. It is a thick humour, of the consistence 
of pomatum ; and, though very strong, is agreeable, 
even as it issues from the body of the animaL — This mat- 

S 



274 



HISTORY OF 2UADRUPEDS, 



ter of the Zibet must not be confounded with musk, 
which is a sanguineus humour, derived from a species 
of the Roe-buck, or Goat without horns ^; and has 
nothing in common with the Zibet, but its strong per- 
fume. 




THE SVRICJTE, OR FOUR-TOED 
JVEASEL, 

Is rather less than the Rabbit; it pretty much resem- 
bles the Ichneumon, both in size and the colour of its 
hair; only it is rougher, and its tail is not quite so long. 
Its upper jaw is much longer than the lower, and very 
pliant and moveable. It has only four toes on each foot. 

One of them in the possession of M. de Seve, was ob- 
served sometimes to walk on its hind legs, and frequent- 
ly to sit upright, with its fore feet hanging down on its 
breast. 

The Suricate is carnivorous, and preys on small ani- 
mals. It is fond of fish, and still more so of eggs. Like 
the Squirrel, it makes use of its fore paws to convey its 
victuals to its mouth. In drinking, it laps like a Dog. 
but will not drink water, except v^hen it is warm. 

* See page 115. 



HISTORY OF gUADRUPEDS. 275 

That kept by M. de Seve was extremely playful and 
familiar, knew its own name, and would return at a calk 
What was remarkable, it seemed to have an aversion to 
particular persons, whom it would always bite on their 
approaching it: Some people were so disagreeable to it, 
that even when restrained, it would make use of several 
artifices to come near enough to bite them; asd v/hen it 
could not lay hold of their legs, would fly at their shoes 
or petticoats. When discontented, it makes a noise like 
the barking of a whelp; and when pleased or caressed, 
would utter a sound like the shaking of a rattle. 




THE RAT EL, 

Described by Mr. Pennant under the name of the i^/~q:' 
ler, is a native of the Cape of Good Hope. It lives chief- 
ly upon honey, and is endowed with a wonderful faculty 
of discovering the secret retreats where the bees deposit 
their stores. About sun-set, the Ratel is particularlv at- 
tentive in watching the motions of these industrious in- 
sects; and, having observed tht-ir route, it follows with 
great care the direction in which thcv fiv. It is fre- 

S 2 



£76 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

quently assisted in discovering its delicious booty by a 
bird called the Honey Guide, (cuculus indicatoj-) which 
is extremely fond both of honey and the eggs of bees; 
and, in the pursuit of its food, excites the attention of 
the Ratel by a loud grating cry of cherr^ cherr^ cherr; at 
the same time flying slowly on towards the place where 
the swarm of bees have taken up their abode. The Ra- 
tel follows the sound with great attention; and having 
plundered the nest, leaves sufficient behind it as a reward 
for the services of its faithful guide. The Ratel is well 
adapted to this purpose, as the toughness and thickness 
of its skin effectually defends it from the stings of the 
bees. On this account, it is not easily killed , for its 
skin is so loosely attached to its body, that when seized 
hy a hound, it gives w^ay, and the animal has an opportu- 
nity of turning round, and biting its assailant, which it 
frequently does so severely, as to oblige him to desist. 

The Ratel, according to Mr. Pennant, is two feet long 
from the nose to the tail, w^hich is eight inches; its legs 
are short; on each foot it has four toes, armed with long 
claws ; those on the four feet are above an inch long, and 
very sharp; its tongue is rough; it has no ear-laps; the 
orifice of the ear is w^ide, and surrounded by a callous 
rim; a broad stripe, of an ash-colour, extends along the 
back from the forehead to the tail, which is separated 
from the black hair on the sides and belly by a light-gray 
list running from behind each ear to the tail. It bur- 
rows in holes under ground, is said to be very fetid and 
is called the Stinking Badger by M. de la Cailie. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



277 




THE CO ATI, OR BRAZILIAN WEASEL. 

(Viverra Nasua, Lin— X<r Coati, Buff.) 

Has some resemblance to the bear in the length of its 
hind legs, in the form of its feet, in the bushiness of its 
hair, and in the structure of its paws. It is small. Its 
tail is long, and variegated with different colours; its 
upper jaw is much longer than the lower, and very pli- 
ant; its ears are rounded ; its hair is smooth, soft, and 
glossy, of a bright-bay colour; and its breast is whitish. 
LinncEus describes one of them, which he kept a con- 
siderable time, and in yain attempted to bring into sub- 
jection. It was very obstinate and capricious. It killed 
the poultry, tore off their heads, and sucked their blood. 
It defended itself with great force whenever any person 
attempted to lay hold of it contrary to its inclination; 
and it stuck fast to the legs of those with whom it was 
familiar, when it wanted to ransack their pockets, and 
carry gff any thing th^t it found in them. It had an ex- 

S 3 



278 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



treme aversion to Hog's bristles, and the smallest brush 
made it desist. Its mode of living was very singular: It 
slept from midnight to noon, kept awake the rest of the 
day, and uniformly walked about from six in the evening 
till midnight, without the least regard to the weather. 
This is probably the time assigned by Nature to this spe- 
cies of animals for procuring their food, which consists 
chiefly of young birds, eggs, and small animals. 

It inhabits Brazil and Guiana, runs up trees very nim-. 
bly, eats like a Dog, and holds its food between its fore 
legs like the Bear. 

The Coati stands with ease on its hind feet.— It is said 
to gnaw its own tail, which it generally carries erect^ 
and sweeps it about from side to side^ 




HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS* 27^ 




THE RACCOOJf, 

(Ursus Lotor, Lin. — Le Baton, Buff.) 

Is very common in the warm regions of America. It is 
found also in the mountains of Jamaica^ from whence 
great numbers of them frequently descend into the plan- 
tations, and make great havock among the sugar-canes, 
of which they are particularly fond. The planters con- 
sider these animals as their greatest enemies, as rhey fre- 
quently do infinite michief on one night's excursion: — 
They have contrived various methods of destroying them, 
yet still they propagate in such numbers, that neither 
traps nor fire-arms can repel them. 

The Raccoon is somewhat less than the Badger: Its 
head resembles that of a Fox, but its ears are round and 
much shorter, and its upper jaw very pointed, and lon- 
ger than the lower: Its eyes, which are large, are sur- 
rounded with two broad patches of black: Its body is 
thick and short, covered with long hair, black at the 
points, and gray underneath ; Its tail is long and bushy, 

S 4 



28® HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

and marked with alternate rings of black and white; its 
feet and toes are black. 

The Raccoon is very active and nimble. Its claws, 
which are extremely sharp, enable it to climb trees with 
great facility. It moves forward chiefly by bounding; 
and, though it proceeds in an oblique direction, runs vq- 
ry swiftly. 

When tamed, it is good-natured and sportive ; but is 
almost constantly in motion, and as unlucky and inqui- 
sitive as a Monkey, examining every thing with its paws, 
which it makes use of as hands to lay hold of any thing 
that is given it, and to carry its meat to its mouth. It 
sits up to eat, is extremely fond of sweet things and 
strong liquors, with which it will get excessively drunk. 
It has all the cunning of the Fox, is very destructive of 
poultry, but will eat all sorts of fruits, grain, and roots. 
It has a peculiar method of dipping every thing in water 
it intends to eat, and will seldom taste bread till it be 
well soaked. It opens oysters with astonishing dexterity, 
separates the shells, and leaves not a vestige of the fish. 
It does this without looking at the oyster, but places it 
under its hind paws, and with its fore feet searches for 
the weakest part, where it fixes its claws, forces it op«n, 
and snatches out the fish. It hkewise devours all kinds 
of insects, delights in hunting spiders, and, when at li- 
berty in a gardeii, will eat grasshoppers, snails, worms, 
&c. It is very cjeanly, and always retires to obey the 
calls of Nature. It is familiar, and even caressing, leaps 
upon those it is fond of, plays sportively, and moves a- 
bout with great agility. 

This animal is hunted for its skin, which is next in va- 
lue to that of the Beaver, for making hats. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 



SSl 




THE BADGER. 
(Ursus MeleS) Lin.'-^Ze Blaireau, on Taiso/i, Buff.) 

Although Nature has furnished this animal with for- 
midable weapons of offence, and has besides given it 
strength sufficient to use them with great effect, it is 
notwithstanding very harmless and inoffensive j and, un- 
less attacked employs them only for its support. 

The Badger retires to the most secret recesses ; where 
it digs its hole, and forms its habitation under ground,-— 
Its food consists chiefly of roots, fruits, grass, insects, and 
frogs. It is charged with destroying Lambs and Rabbits, 
but there seems to be no other reason to consider it as a 
beast of prey, than the analogy between its teeth and 
those of carnivorous animals. 

Few creatures defend themselves better, or bite with 
greater keenness, than the Badger. On that account it 
is frequently baited with Dogs trained for that purpose. 
This inhuman diversion is chiefly confined to the idle and 
the vicious, who take a cruel pleasure in seeing this 



282 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

harmless animal surrounded by its enemies, and defend- 
ing itself from their attacks, which it does with astonish- 
ing agility and success. Its motions are so quick, that a 
Dog is frequently desperately wounded in the first mo- 
ment of assault, and obliged to fly. The thickness of the 
Badger's skin and the length and coarseness of its hair, 
are an excellent defence against the bites of the Dogs; 
Its skin is so loose, as to resist the impressions of their 
teeth, and give the animal an opportunity of turning it- 
self round, and wounding its adversaries in their tender- 
est parts. In this manner this singular creature is able to 
resist repeated attacks both of men and dogs, from all 
quarters ; till, being overpowered with numbers, and en- 
feebled by many desparate wounds, it is at last obliged to 
submit. 

The Badger is an indolent animal, and sleeps much 
It confines itself to its hole during the whole day, and 
feeds only in the night. It is so cleanly, as never to de- 
file its habitation with its odure. It breeds only once in 
a year, and brings forth four or five at a time. 

It is not known to exist in warm countries. It is an 
original native of the temperate climates of Europe; and 
is found without any variety, in Spain, France, Italy, Ger- 
many, Britain, Poland, and Sweden. 

The usual length of the Badger is somewhat above two 
feet, exclusive of the tail, which is about six inches long ; 
its eyes are small, and are placed in a black stripe, which 
begins behind the ears, and runs tapering towards the 
nose : the throat and legs are black ; the back, sides, and 
tail, are of a dirty-gray, mixed with black ; the legs and 
feet are very short, strong, and thick ; each foot consists 
of five toes ; those on the fore feet are armed with strong 



HISTORY OF glTADRUPEDS. 



283 



claws, well adapted for digging its subterranean habita- 
tion. 

In walking, the Badger treads on its whole heel, like 
the Bear; which brings its belly very near the ground. 

Immediately below the tail, between that and the 
anus, there is a narrow transverse orifice, from whence a 
white substance, of a very fetid smell, constantly exudes. 

The skin, when dressed with the hair on, is used for 
pistol furniture.— Its flesh is eaten : The hind quarters 
^re sometimes made into hams, which, when cured, are 
not inferior in goodness to the best bacon.— The hairs 
are ma4e into brushes, which are used by painters to 
soften and harmonise their shades. 




rr x^^et 



gS4 HISTORY OF <JUADRUPEDS, 



iniiniiiiiii!ininiiiiiiniiiiiinnii!iunnnniiiiiinintiuniiini!Himijm« 




itfriiiiiiiiiiiniunniiiiiiiiHHiynnuiiiiiitiUMiiiuiiiiiiinfiiiuiiiiiuiiiuulip 

THE SAMD-BEAR, 

We have given the figure of this animal, drawn frorn 
one kept in the Tower; of which V;^e have not been able 
to obtain any farther description, than its being some- 
what less than the Badger, almost without hair, extremely 
sensible of cold, and burrows in the ground. From these 
circumstances, as well as from the striking similarity of 
its figure to that of the Badger, we are inclined to think 
it is a variety of that animal, mentioned by naturalists 
under the name of the Sow-Badger. 

Its colour is a yeilowish-white : Its eyes are small; and 
its head thicker than that of the common Badger : Its 
legs are short; and on each foot there are foi4r toes, arm- 
ed with sharp white claws. 

M. Brisson describes a white Badger, from NewA^ork, 
so similar to this, that we suspect it to be the same spe- 
<:ies. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 285 




THE PFOLVERINE, OR GLUTTOJ/". 
(Mustela Gulo, Lin— Ze Glutton, BuflT.) 

This voracious animal is found in all the countries 
bordering on the Nortljern Ocean, both in Europe and 
Asia: It is likewise common in Canada, the country a- 
bout Hudson's Bay, and other parts of North- America; 
where it is known by the name of the Carcajou. 

It has been variously described by naturalists. We 
have selected the account given by M. Buffon, which 
was taken from a living one in his possession. Its length, 
from the nose to the insertion of the tail, was two feet 
two inches 5 the tail eight inches long; the length of the 
fore legs was eleven inches, and the hind ones twelve ; it 
had five toes on each foot, armed with long sharp claws; 
the middle cJaw of the fore foot was one inch and a half 
long; the muzzle, as far as the eye-brows, was black: 
its eyes were small and black, atid its ears short; its 
breast and under jaw were spotted v^'ith white; the back, 
1' gs, belly, and tail, were black — During its confine- 
ment, it did not discover symptoms of great ferocity. It 



286 HISTORY OF (QUADRUPEDS, 

eat voraciously; and, after a full meal, covered itself in 
its cage with straw. It eat no bread, but v^ould devour 
more than four pounds of flesh every day, which it swal- 
lowed greedily, almost without chewing. 

In a state of hberty, it is said to lead a life of continual 
rapine. It lurks in the branches of trees, in order to 
surprise Deer and other animals that pass under them. 
It waits with great patience the arrival of its prey, and 
darts from its hiding-place with unerring certainty. In 
this manner it indiscriminately surprises the Horse, the 
Elk, the Stag, or the Rein-deer, and fixes itself between 
their shoulders with its teeth and claws. 

The wild Rein-deer, which are numerous both in Lap. 
land and North- America, frequently fall victims to the 
Glutton, When seized by this blood-thirsty animal, it is 
in vain that the wounded Deer endeavours to disengage 
itself from its enen^y by rustHng among the branches of 
the trees : No force can oblige it to quit its hold : It 
maintains its position, and continues to suck the blood of 
the flying animal till it falls down exhausted with pain 
and fatigue. It then devours the carcase with insatiable 
voracity, and gorges itself Vv^ith the flesh till it is almost 
in danger of bursting. 

In Kamschatka, the Glutton makes use of a singular 
stratagem for killing the Fallow-deer. It climbs up a 
tree, taking with it a quantity of that species of moss 
of which the Deer is very fond. When one of them ap- 
proaches the tree, the Glutton throws down the moss; 
and if the Deer stop to eat it, the Glutton darts upon its 
back, and fixing itself firmly between its horns, tears out 
its eyes and by that means secures its prey. It then 
divides the fiesh of the deer into a number of portions. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 287 

which it conceals in the earth to serve for future provi- 
sions. 

The motions of the Glutton are slow. There are few 
quadrupeds that cannot escape from it, except the Bea- 
ver, vv'hich it frequently pursues and overtakes. In 

America, it is called the Beaver-eater.—lt sometimes lies 
in wait, and surprises those animals, coming out of their 
burrows, or breaks into their habitations, and kills great 
numbers of them. 

The Glutton often defeats the labour of the hunts- 
men, by stealing avk^ay the Sables and other animals that 
have been caught in their traps ; and it is sometimes 
taken in the snares laid for them. 

When attacked, it makes a strong resistance. It will 
tear the stock from the gun with its teeth, or break the 
trap in pieces in which it is caught. — Notwithstanding its 
fierceness, it is capable of being tamed, and of learning 
several entertaining tricks. 

It is hunted only for its skin, which is very valuable, 
of a most beautiful glossy black, which shines with a 
peculiar lustre, and reflects the light like damask silk. 

The skins are sold in Siberia at five or six shillings 
each, at Jakutsk at twelve, and still dearer in Kamschat- 
ka. There the women dress their hair with its white 
paws, which they esteem a great ornament. 

The furs of this animal, from the North of Europe and 
Asia, are infinitely finer, blacker, and more glossy, than 
those of the American kind. 



28a 



HISTORY OP qUADRUfEDS* 



^^ 




THE BROWJf BEAR, 
fUj'siis Cauda abriipta.^ Lin — ^LOurSy BufF.) 



There are two principal varieties of the Bear,— the 
hroivn and the black. The former is found in almost 
every climate, the black Bear chiefly in the forests of the 
northern regions of Europe and America. 

The brown Bear is sometimes carnivorous s hut its ge- 
neral food is roots, fruits, and vegetables. 

It is a savage and solitary animal, lives in desert and 
unfrequented places, and chuses its den in the most 
dangerous and inaccessible precipices of unfrequented 
mountains. It retires alone to its den about the end of 
autumn, (at which time it is exceedingly fat) and lives 
for several weeks in a state of total inactivity and absti- 
nence from food. During this time, the female brings 
forth her young, and suckles them. She chuses her re- 
treat for that purpose, in the most retired places, apart 
from the male, lest he should devour them. She makes 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, .289 

a warm bed for her young, and attends thenn with unre» 
tnitting care during four months, and in all that time 
scarcely allows herself any nourishment. She brings 
forth two, and sometimes three young at a time. The 
cubs are round and shapeless, with pointed muzzles ; but 
they are not licked into form by the female, as Pliny and 
other ancient naturalists supposed. At nrst they do not 
exceed eight inches in length. They are blind during 
the first four weeks, are of a pale-yellow colour, and 
have scarcely any resemblance of the creature when ar- 
rived at maturity. — The time of gestation in these ani- 
mals is about six months, and thev brin^: forth in the be- 
ginning of January. 

In the spring, the old Bears, attended by their young, 
come out from their retreats, lean, and almost famished 
by their long confinement. They then ransack every 
quarter in search of fbod> They frequently climb trees, 
and devour the fruit in great quantities, particularly the 
date-plumb tree, of which they are exceedingly fond. 
They ascend these trees i^,'ith surprising agility, keep 
tliemselves firm on the branches with one paw, and with 
the other collect the fruit. 

The Bear is remarkably fond of honey, which it will 
encounter great difficulties to obtain, and seeks for with 
great cunning and avidity. 

It enjoys, in a superior degree, the senses of hearing, 
smelling and touching. — Its ears are shoit and rounded; 
and its eyes are small, but lively and penetrating, and de- 
fended by a nictating membrane : From the peculiar 
formation of the internal parts of its nose, its sense of 
smelling is excQedingly exquisite: The legs and thigh-. 



296 HISTGRY OF $UAdRU]^EDS. 

are strong and muscular-. It has five toes on each foot^ 
and uses its fore foot as a hand, although the toes, are 
not separated as in most animals that do soj the largest 
finger is on the outside. 

The voice of the Bear is a deep and surly kind of growl, 
which it frequently exerts without the least cause. Jt is 
very easily irritated, and at that time its resentment is fu- 
rious, and often capriciously exerted. 

When tamed^ it appears mild and ©bedient to its mas- 
ter; but it is not to be trusted without the utmost cau- 
tion.-^-^It may be taught to walk upright, to dance, to lay 
hold of a pole with its paws, and perform various tricks 
to entertain the multitude, who are highly pleased to see 
the awkward measures of this rugged creature, which it 
seems to suit to the sound of an instrument or to the 
voice of its leader. But to give the Bear this kind of 
education, it must be taken when young, and accustomed 
early to restraint and discipline: An old Bear will suffer 
neither, without discovering the most furious resentment ; 
neither the voice nor the menaces of his keeper have any 
effect upon him; he equally growls at the hand that is 
held out to ked, as at that which is raised to correct hirn. 

The excessive cruelties practised upon this poor animal 
in teaching it to walk erect, and regulates its motions to 
the sound of the flagelet, are such as make sensibility 
shudder Its eyes are put out, and an iron ring being 
put through the cartilage of the nose to lead it by, it is 
kept from food, and beaten, till it yield obedience to the 
will of its savage tutors. Some of them are taught to 
perform by setting their feet upon hot iron plates, and 
then playing to them whilst in this uneasy situation. — It 
is truly shocking to every feeling mind to reflect, that 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 291 

such cruelties should be exercised upon any part of the 
brute creation by our fellow-men. That they should be 
rewarded by numbers of unthinking people, who crowd 
around them to see the animal's rude attempts to imitate 
human actions, is not to be wondered at : But it is much 
to be w ished, that the timely interference of the magi- 
strate would prevent every exhibition of this kind, that, 
in Britain at least, we might not be reproached with tole- 
rating practices so disgraceful to humanity. 

One of these animals, presented to the Prince of Wales, 
a few years ago, was kept in the Tower. By the care- 
lessness of the servant, the door of his den was left open; 
and the keeper's wife happening to go across the court at 
the same time, the animal flew out, seized the woman, 
threw her down, and fastened upon her neck, which he bit; 
and, without offering any further violence, lay upon her, 
sucking the blood out of the wound. Resistance was in 
vain, as it only served to irritate the brute ; and she must 
inevitably have perished, had not her husband luckily dis- 
covered her situation. By a sudden blow, he obliged the 
Bear to quit his hold, and retire to his den, which he did 
with great reluctance, and not without making a second 
attempt to come at the woman, who was almost dead 
through fear and loss of blood. It is somewhat remark- 
able, that whenever it happened to see her afterwards, it 
growled, and made most violent struggles to get out to her- 
The Prince, upon hearing of the circumstance, ordered 
the Bear to be killed. 

The flesh of the young Bear, is reckoned a great deli- 
cacy ; and the paws of an old one are esteemed as a most 
exquisite morsel. The fat is white, and very sweet -, and 

T 2 



29^ 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



the oil is said to be of great use in softening swelling pro- 
ceeding from sprains. 

Great numbers are killed annually in America for the 
sake of their skins, which form a considerable article of 
commerce. 

The Bear was once an inl^abitant of this island, and 
was included in the ancient laws and regulations respect- 
ing beasts of chase. — Long after their extirpation, they 
were imported for the cruel purpose of baiting themj 
which at that time was a favourite amusement of our an- 
cestors. We £nd it, in Queen Elizabeth's days, among 
the various entertain ment-s prepared for her Majesty on 
her visit at Kenilworth. 




HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



293 




We have here given a faithful representatioi], drawn 
from the life, of an animal which has hitherto escaoed 
the observations of naturalists. — Its features and leading 
characters seem to be so strong, as to leave no room for 
doubt v^'ith respect to its rank in the animal creation: 
And, from the striking correspondence of pyrts observa- 
ble between it and the common Bear, we are induced to 
dispose of them in the same class. We are the more 
confirmed in this opinion, from an attentive examination 
of its disposition and manners ^ notwitlistandinf^, it seems 
to dilTer in some of those characteristics which have been 
pointed out by naturalisu-. as the guides to a regular find 
systematic arrangement. 

Its body is covered with a long, rough, and shammy 
coat of hair, which gives it, when lying dcwn, the ap- 
pearance of a rude and shapeless mass ; on the top of its 
bank, the hair, which is tweh^e inclies long, rises up like 



Q94f HISTORY OF gUADRUPEDS. 

a hunch, separates in the middle, and falls down in dif- 
ferent directions; its head is large, very broad at the 
forehead, and is the only part on wliich the hair is short; 
its snout is long, and ends in a thin, broad cartilage, 
overhanging the nostril* about an inch and a half; its 
lips are thin and very long, and seem to be furnished 
with muscles, by which the animal can protrude them in 
a most singular manner, which it never fails to do when 
its attention is directed to any particular object, or when 
food is held out to it ; its eyes are small, black, and hea- 
vy, and its aspect louring ; its ears and tail are short, and 
hid in the hair; its legs and thighs are remarkably thick 
and strong; it treads on its heel like a Bear, and its toes 
are not divided ; it has five long crooked white claws on 
each foot, which it uses with great dexterity, either sepa- 
rately or together, like fingers, to break its food into 
smaller portions, or to convey it to its m.outh. Its colour 
is a deep, shining black : excepting the snout, and a spot 
above each eye, which are of a yellowish- white colour; 
there is likewise a cresent of white underneath the throat : 
It has no cutting teeth, but two very strong canine teeth, 
and six grinders, in each jav^. 

It appears to l3e a gentle, good-natured animal ; but 
when irritated or disturbed, utters a short abrupt roar, like 
a Bear ending -in a whining tone, expressive of impa- 
tience. — It feeds on bread, fruit, and nuts ; is fond of ho- 
ney; and will eat marrow, or the fat of meat, either raw 
or dressed ; but refuses roots of all kinds, and the lean or 
muscular parts of flesh. 

This rare animal is said to have been brought from the 
interior parts of Bengal; and that it burrows in the 
ground. 



HISTORY OF (jUADRUPEDS. 



S95 




THE POLAR OR GREAT WHITE BEAR, 

(Ursus Albus, Um.'--VOurs Blanc, Buff.) 

Differs greatly from the common Bear In the length of 
its head and neck, and grows to above twice the size. 
Some of them are thirteen feet long.— Its limbs are of 
great size and strength ; its hair long, harsh and disagree- 
able to the touch, and of a yellowish-white colour; its 
ears are short and rounded ; and its teeth large. 

It inhabits only the coldest parts of the globe, and has 
been found above latitude 80, as far as navigators have 
penetrated northwards. These inhospitable regions seem 
adapted to its sullen nature. 

T * 



296 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



•"There the shapeless Bear, 



*' With dangling ice al! horrid, stalks forlorn: 
" Slow-pac'd, and sourer as the storms increase, 
" He makes his bed beneath th' inclement drift; 
** And, with stern patience, scorning weak complaint, 
" Hardens his heart against assailing want." 

It has been seldom set^n farther south than Newfound- 
land, but abounds chiefly on the shores of Hudson's Bay, 
Greenland, and Spltzbergen on one side^ and those of 
Nova-Zembla on the other. It has been sometimes 
found in the intermediate countries of Norway and Ice- 
land ; but such as have appeared in those parts have al- 
ways been driven thither upon floating sheets of ice ; so 
that those countries are only acquainted with^them by ac- 
cident. 

During summer, they take up their residence on large 
islands of ice, and frequently pass from one to another. 
— They swim well, and can go to the distance of six or 
seven leagues : They likewise dive, but do not continue 
long under water. — When the pieces of ice are detached 
by strong winds or currents, the Bears allow themselves 
to be cairied along with them, and as they cannot regain 
the land, or abandon the ice on which they are embark- 
ed, they often perish in the open sea. Those which arrive 
with the ice on the coasts of Iceland and Norway, are al- 
most famished with hunger from the length of their voy- 
age, and are extremely voracious. As soon as the natives 
discover one of them, they arm themselves, and presently 
dispatch him. 

The ferocity of the Bear is as remarkable as its attach- 
ment to its young. A few years since, the crew of a 
boat belonging to a ship in the whale-fishery shot at a 
Bear at a short distance, and wounded it. The animal 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 297 

immediately set up the most dreadful yells, and ran along 
the ice towards the boat. Before it reached it^ a second 
shot was fired, and hit it. This served to increase its 
fury. It presently swam to the boat 3 and in attempting 
to get on board, reached its fore foot upon the gunnel j 
but one of the crew having a hatchet, cut it off. The 
animal still, hovvever, continued to swim after them till 
they arrived at the ship; and several shot were fired at it, 
which also took effect: But on reaching the ship, it im- 
mediately ascending the deck ; and the crew having fled 
into the shrowds, it was pursuing them thither, when a 
shot from one of them laid it dead upon the deck. 

Its flesh is v^^hite, and is said to taste like mutton. 
The fat is melted for train-oil 3 and that of the feet is used 
in medicine. 

The White Bear brings forth two young at a time. 
Their fondness for their offspring is so great that they 
will die rather than desert them : Wounds serve only to 
make the attachment more violent : They embrace their 
cubs to the last, and bemoan them with the most piteous 
cries. 

They feed on fish, seals, and the carcases of whales. 
Allured by the scent of seal's flesh, they often br^ak into 
the huts of the Greenlanders. — They sometimes attack 
the Morse, with which they have terrible conflicts; but 
the large teeth of that animal give it a decided superiority 
over the Bear, which is generally worsted. 



^S8 



HISTORY OF 2UADRUl^ED3. 




THE STRIPED HTEMA, 



(Canis Hycena^ Lin. — L'Hifanty BuflP.) 

Although naturalists, both ancient and modern^liave 
described the Hyena under different denominations, and 
have ascribed to.it properties which it is now known not 
to possess, yet its characters are so singular, that it is im- 
possible to mistake them, and so peculiar, as to distinguish 
it from every other class of animals, in many respects it 
resembles those of the Dog kind, has some similitude to 
th<: Wolf in form and disposition^ and is about the same 
size. 

The Hyena has only four toes on each foot ; its head 
is broad and fiat, and its muzzle shorter than that of the 
Wolf; its fore legs are longer than the hind ones; its 
ears are long, pointed, and bare ; and its eyes are re- 
markably wild, sullen, and ferocious. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 299 

There are two ^varieties,— the one striped, and the 
other spotted. — The hair of the former is of an ash co- 
lour, marked with long black stripes, disposed in waves, 
from the back downward; there are others across the 
legs; the hair in general is coarse and rough; its tail is 
short and bushy, with pretty long hair, sometimes plain, 
and sometimes barred with black; immediately under- 
neath the tail, and above the anus, there is an orifice like 
that of the Badger, which opens into a kind of pouch, 
and contains a substance of the consistence of civet, but 
of a rank, disagreeable odour. This opening may proba- 
bly have given rise to the error of the ancients, who as- 
serted, that the Hyena was every alternate year male and 
female. Its manner of holding its head is somewhat like 
a Dog pursuing a scent with its nose near the ground* 
This position of the head makes the shoulders appear 
more elevated. A bristly mane runs along the top of the 
back from head to tail, which gives it an spp?arance 
something like a Hog; from whence, probably, it may 
have derived its name, the word huaina being a Greek 
word derived from hiis, which Signifies a Sow. — Such are 
the most striking distinctions of the Hyena, which has 
been pictured by ignorance and timidity under every 
form that can strike terror into the imacrination. Won- 
derful powers were ascribed to it by the ancients ; who 
believed that it changed its sex; that it imitated the hu- 
man voice, and by that m.eans attracted unwary travellers, 
and destroyed them; that it had the power of charming 
the shepherds, and as it were rivetting them to the place 
where they stood. Many other things, equally absurd, 
have been told of this animal : but these are sufficient to 
shew, that objects of terror and superstition are nearly al- 



SOO HISTORY OF qUADRrPEuS- 

lied; nnd^/henonce they have taken possession of the 
human mind, the most improbable stories are easily re- 
ceived and credited. 

It resides in the caverns of mountains, in the clefts of 
rocks, or in holes and dens^ which it digs in the earth. — 
Its disposition is extremely ferocious; and, though taken 
young, it never can be tamed. — It lives by depredations, 
like the Wolf, but is stronger, and more daring and ra- 
pacious. It follows the fiocks, ravages the sheepfold, and 
destroys every thing within its reach with the most insa- 
tiable voracity. — Its eyes shine in the dark; and it is as- 
serted, v/ith some appearance of probability, tliat it can 
see nearly ss well by night as by day. When destitute of 
other provisions, it ransacks the graves, and devours putrid 
human bodies that have been long buried. 

The voice of the Hyena is very peculiar : Its begin- 
ning seems to be somewhat like the moaning of a human 
voice, and the ending like one making a violent effort to 
vomit. 

It inhabits Asiatic Turkey, Syria, Persia^ and Barbary. 
— ^The superstitious Arabs, when they kill one of them, 
carefully bury the head, lest it should be applied to ma- 
gical purposes. 

The courage of the Hyena is equal to its rapacity. It 
will defend itself with great obstinacy against much larger 
quadrupeds : It is not afraid of the Lion nor the Panther, 
will somef^imes attnck the Ounce, and seldom fails to con- 
qMer, 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



301 




TRE SPOTTED HTEMA, OR TIGER- 

WOLF, 

Is called, at ^e Cape of Good Hope, the Tiger-Wolf i 

and \)i very common in that part of the world.— Sparr- 

man describes it as a cruel, mischievous, and formidable 
animal. — Its horrid yells are to be heard every night, 
whilst it prowls about for its prey, and lurks near farm- 
yards, where cattle are kept. These ar@ well defended 
by Dogs, of which the Hyena, though larger and stron- 
ger, is much afraid^ and will not venture an attack, un- 
less pressed by the most urgejit necessity: neither will it 
dare to seize upon any of th^Iiirger animals, such as 0^~ 
en, Cows, Horses, &c. whifst^hey make the least ap- 
pearance of defending themselves, or even if they do nt>c 
betray any symptoms of ftar. It sometimes endeavours 
to disperse the cattle by its hideous roaring; after which 
it selects and pursues one of them, which it soon disabl-js 
by a deadly bite, ^nd then devours. 



SOa HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

These animals were formerly so bold, as to molest the 
Hottentots in their huts, and sometimes carry off their 
children; but, since the introduction of fire-arms, those 
and other wild beasts keep at a greater distance from the 
habitations of mankind.^^It is a fact, however, that num- 
bers of them attend almost every night about the sham- 
bles at the Gape, where they meet with bones, skin, and 
other offals, w^hich are left thereby the inhabitants, who 
suffer these animals to cbrhe unmolested, and carry off 
their refuse; and it was somewhat remarkable, that they 
seldom have been known to do any mischief there, 
though fed in the very heart of the town. 

The bowlings of the Hyena are dreadful beyond all 
conception, and spread a general alarm : They are al- 
most incessant, and seem to be the natural consequence 
of its craving appetite. Perhaps it may not be going too 
far to say, that nature has kindly impressed this involun- 
tary disposition to yelling upon this animal, that every 
-living creature might be upon its guard, and secure it- 
self from the attacks of so cruel an enemy. 

The general colour is a reddish-brown, marked with 
distinct round black spots, the hind legs with transverse 
black bars; its head is large and flat; above each eye, 
as well as on the lips, it has long whiskers; a short black 
mane runs along the top of the back ; its ears are short 
and a little pointed; its face and the upper parts of its 
head are black. 




HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, S03 

FOX, 
(Canis VulpeSi Lin. — Le Renard, BufF.) 

This lively and crafty animal is common in every part 
©f Great Britain, and is so w^ell known as not to require 
a particular description. 

M. Buffon has taken great pains to prove, that the 
Dog and the Fox will not breed together. For this pur- 
pose, he kept two males and a female for a considerable 
time, and tried to make the males copulate with bitches, 
which they uniformly refused ; and from thence he con*- 
eludes, that no mixture can take place, between the two 
species. But it should be remembered, that the Foxes 
were in a state of confinement; and of course, many cir- 
cumstances might concur to disgust them, and render the 
experiment abortive. In confirmation of this, we need 
only observe, that the same Foxes, which, when at liber- 
ty, darted on the Poultry with their usual eagerness, ne^ 
ver attempted to touch a single fowl after they were 
chained : And we are told further, ^^ that a living hen 
was generally fixed near them for a whole night ; and, 
though food was kept from them for many hours, yet, in 
spite of hunger and opportunity, they never forgot that 
they were chained, and disturbed not the hen." Now 
if any one should be so hardy as to assert from this, that 
Foxes have a natural aversion to poultry, one may easily 
conceive how little credit would be given to the conclu- 
sion, and how much laughter it would excite. We just 
mention this to shew, that experiments of this kind, 
W'here Nature is thwarted in her process, or restrained in 
any of her operations, are not always to be depended up- 



SQif HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

on. — ^That the Fox and the Dog will breed together, is a 
fact, too well known in the several parts of the North of 
England, to admit of the smallest doubt. — It is a common 
practice in many places to tie up a bitch that is in season, 
where she may be visited by a Fox, and be impregnated 
by him. The fruits of the connection are sufficiently ob- 
vious : Most, if not all the puppies, have a strong resem- 
blance to the Fox : The sharp nose, prick ears, long bo- 
dy, and short legs of the Fox, evidently point out their 
origin. — ^These Dogs are highly esteemed by farmers and 
graziers, as the most useful kind for driving cattle : — They 
bite keenly, are extremely active and playful, and 
are very expert at destroying Weasels, Rats, and other 
vermin. 

The Fox sleeps much during the day; but the night is 
its season of activity, and the time when it roams about 
in search of prey. — It will eat flesh of any kind, but pre- 
fers that of Hares, Rabbits, poultry and all kinds of birds. 
Those that reside near the sea-coast will, for want of 
other food, eat crabs, shrimps, muscles, and other shell- 
fish. 

, In France and Italy, the Fox does great damage among 
the vineyards, by feeding on the grapes, of which it is 

extremely fond. It boldly attacks the wild bees, and 

irequently robs them of their stores; but not with impu- 
nity : The whole swarm flies out, and fastens upon the 
invader; but he retires only for a few minutes, and rids 
himgelf the bees by rolling upon the ground ? by which 
n eans he crushes such as stick to him, and then returns 
to his charge, and devours both wax and honey. 

The cunning of the Fox, in surprising and secunng its 
prey, is equally remarkable. When it has acquired more 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. SOS 

than It can devour^ its first care is to secure what it has 
killed, which is generally all within its reach. It digs 
holes in different places, where it conceals its booty bv 
carefully covering it with earth to prevent a discovery. 
If a flock of poultry have unfortunately fallen victims to 
its stratagems, it will bring them, one by one, to these 
hiding-places ; where it leaves them till hunger demands 
fresh supplies. 

The chase of the Fox is a very favourite diversion in 
this kingdom, and is no where pursued with such ardour 
and intrepidity* Both our Dogs and Horses are confes-^ 
sedly superior to those of any other country. — The instant 
the Fox finds he is pursued, he flies towards his holej 
and finding it stopped, which is always carefully done 
before the chase begins, he has recourse to his speed and 
his cunning for safety. He does not double and measure 
his ground back like the Hare, but continues his course 
straight forward before the Hounds v^ith great strength 
and perseverance. Both Dogs and Horses, particular)/ 
the latter, have frequently fallen victims to the ardour of 
the pursuit, which has sometimes continued for upwards 
of fifty miles without the smallest intermission, and al- 
most at full speed*,— As the scent of the Fox is very 



* Mr. Charles Tt;RNER's Kounds hunted ?it Ayreyholm, near 
Hurworth, in the county of Durham, and lound the noted old Fok 
CESAR, which made an extraordinary chase. After a round of four 
miles, he led to Smeatoii, through Hornbv and Appieton; then back 
a,!:;,ain to Hornby, Worset-moor, Fiersburgb, Limpton, Craythorn, 
Middleton, Hilton, Senmer, Newby, Marion, Oimsby; then upon 
Hambleton, through Kirkleatiiam-park, Upleaiham, v^kelton, and 
Kelton. Mr. Turner tired three Horses; and only three Hon nd.<« 
-were in pursuit, when he thought proper to call them oif, it being 
near iiv« in the evening. The cha.se wa-s upvvards gf ijftv miles, 

u 



So6 



HISTORY OF QUADRt/PEDS, 



Strong, the Dogs follow with great alacrity and eagerness^ 
and have been known to keep ap a constant chase for 
eight or ten hours together; and it is hard to say, whe- 
ther the spirited eagerness of the Hounds, the ardour of 
the Horses, or the enthusiasm of the hunters, is most to 
be admired. The Fox is the only one of the party which 
has the plea of necessity on his side; and it operates so 
sfrongly, that he often escapes the utmost efforts of his 
pursuers, and returns to his hole in safety. The smeli of 
his urine is so offensive to the Dogs, that it sometimes 
proves the means of his escape from them. When all his 
shifts have failed him, and he is at last overtaken, he then 
defends himself with great obstinacy, and fights in silence 
till he is torn in pieces by the Dogs. 

There are three varieties of Foxes in this island, v^hich 
differ frqm each other more in form than in colour. 




HISTORY OF gUADRUPEDS. 



S07 




THE GRETHOUJfD FOX, 

Is the largest, and is chiefly found in the mountainous 
parts of England and Scotland: He is likewise the bold* 
est, and will attack a well-grown Sheep. — His ears are 
long and erect, and his aspect wild. 

THE MASTIFF FOX. ^ 
Is rather less; but his limbs are more strongly formed. 




U ^ 



3oi 



KISTOKY OT QUADRUPEDS, 




THE 



CUR FOX 



Is the least, but the most common, and;^proaches near- 
est to the habitations of mankind. It larks about the 
out-houses of the farmer, and carries off all the poultry 
within its reach. — It is remarkably playful and familiar 
v;h:n tamed; but, like all wild animals half reclaimed, 
will, on the least offence, bite those it is most familiar 
with. 

The eye of the Fox is of a lively hazel colour, very 
signiticant and expres&ive ^ and discovers very sensibly the 
different emotions of love, fear, or anger, by which it 
may be affected. — It seems greatly to admire its bushy 
tail^ and frequently amuses itself by endeavouring to 
catch it as it runs round. In cold weather when it lies 
down, it folds it about its head. 

The Fox sleeps sound ; and, like the Dog, lies in a 
Tound form. When he is only reposing himself^ he 
stretches out his bind legs, and lies on his belly. In this 
position, he spies the birds as they light o^ the hedges 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 309 

or places near him, and is ready to spring upon such as 
are within his reach. He rarely lies exposed, but chuses 
the cover of some thick brake^ where he is pretty secure 
from being surprised. Crows, magpies, and other biids, 
which consider the Fox as a common enemy, will often 
give notice of his retreat by the most clamorous notes, 
and frequently follow him a considerable way from tree 
to tree, repeating their outcries. 

Foxes produce bat once a year, from three to six 
young ones at a time. When the female is pregnant, 
she retires, and seldom goes out of her hole, where she 
prepares a bed for her young. She comes in season in 
the winter: and young Foxes are found in the month of 
April. If she perceive that her habitation is discovered, 
she carries them off, one by one, to a more secure retreat. 
The young are brought forth blind, like puppies. They 
grow eighteen months or two years, and live thirteen or 
fourteen years. 

The Fox is frequently taken in traps ; but great cau- 
tion must be used to deceive this wily animal. The trap 
must be placed in the midst of a field, where there is nei- 
ther hedge nor path near it, and so nicely covered with 
mould that not ^he least vestige can be seen where it 
lies : About the trap, and at a small distance from it, in 
difierent places, a few pieces of cheese, or other strong* 
Jy-scented food, must be carelessly scattered : Thsn with 
a sheep's paunch, or some other animal substance, a trail 
is made, of about a mile In length, to the different places 
where the bait is laid, and from thence to the trap: The 
shoes of the person who carries the trail must be likewise 
V^ell rubjbed with the paunch, that the Fox may not dig- 

U ^ 



310 historV ot quadrupeds. 

cover his scent. He then approaches witti more confi- 
dence, and if the design be well conducted, seldom fails 
of being caught. 

There are many varieties of this animal, apparently 
produced by the influence of climate. Those of thi& 
country are mostly of a tawny-red mixed with ash-co» 
lour; the fore part of the legs is black, and the tail tipt 
with whitei-— In colder countrieSj> Foxes are of various 
colours. 

THE BLACK FOX, 

Is most valuable for its fur, which is esteemed in Russia 
superior to that of the finest sable. A single skin will sell 
for four hundred rubles. 

THE CROSS FOX. 

(Le itenard Croise Buff.)' 

Inhabits the coldest parts of Europe, Asia, and North- 
America. — Its fur is \try valuable, being thicker and 
* softer than the common sort. — Great numbers of skins 
are imported from Canada. 

It derives its name from a black mark which passe* 
over its back across the shoulders, and another along the 
back to the tail. 




HISTORY OF QUADRU1>EDS, 



Sil 




THE ARCTIC FOX, 

fCaiiis Lagopus, Um.—Isaiis^ Buff.) 

Inhabits the countries bordering on the Frozen Sea. It 
is found in Greenland, Iceland, Spitsbergen, Nova-Zem- 
bla, and Lapland ; in Kamschatka, and the opposite parts 
of America. It burrows, and makes holes in the ground, 
several ^ti^t in length; at the end of which it forms a 
nest with moss* In Greenland and Spitsbergen, it lives 
in the clefts of rocks, being unable to burrovv' on account 
of the frost. Two ©r three of them inhabit the same hole. 
It is endowed with all the cunning of the common 
FoXs preys on young geese, ducks, and other water-fovxi, 
before they are able to fly; likewise on hares, wild-birds, 
and eggs: And in Greenland, for want of other food, 
I^ feeds on berries and shell-iish.' In Lapland and the 
North of Asia, its principal food is the Leming, or Lap- 
land Marmot ; inunense i&hoais of which sometimes cover 
the face of the country. The Foxes follow them, in 
their migrations, from one place to another; and as the 
return of ihe Marmot is very uncertain, and frequently 
afci r great intervals of time, they are sometimes absent 
three or four years ia pursuit of this tlieir favourite prey. 

U 4 



Stt 



HISTORY OF 5UADRUPEDS. 



The hair of the Arctic Fox is of an ash colour, but 
changes to white in the winter, when it is long soft, 
and somewhat woolly: Its tail is shorter than that of the 
common Fox, and more bushy; and its toes are covered 
with fur on the under part, like those of a Hare : It is 
smaller and more slender than the European Fox : Its 
nose is sharp and black; and its ears short, and al nost 
hid in the fur. It is sometimes taken in traps 5 but its 
skin is of little value. 




HISTORY OF (QUADRUPEDS. 



31$ 




THE WOLF. 

{Canis Lupus, Lin— •-Z^ Loup^ Bui[E) 

All naturalists agree in placing the Wolf and the Dog 
in the same class ; ancj, from the slightest inspection of 
its external form only, it would seem that the Wolf wa$ 
in every respect a Dog in its state of natural freedom. 
The shape of its head is different; and its eyes, bein* 
fixed in a more oblique position, give it a look of more 
savage fierceness : Its ears are sharp and erect • its tail 
Jong, bushy, and bending inwards between its hind le^-s; 
its body is stronger than that of almost any species of 
-Dog, its jaws and teeth larger, and its hair coarser and 
thicker. The internal structure of these animals is per- 
fectly similar. The Wolf couples in the same manner 
as the Dog ; and its immediate separation is prevented 
from the same cause: The time of gestation is also near- 
ly the same J and, from a variety of successful experi- 
iDents related by ihe cdebrated Dr. Hunter, there is no 



314 HISTORY OF OUADRUPEDS. 

longer any room to doubt, that the Wolf and the Dog 
will copulate together, and produce an intermediate spe- 
cies, capable of subsequent propagation. 

The appetite of the Vv^olf, for every kind of animal 
food, is excessively voracious 3 and, although Nature hag 
furnished it with every requisite for pursuing and con- 
quering its pre}/, it is frequently reduced to the last ex» 
tremity, and sometimes peri.shes for want of food. So 
great is the general detestation of this destructive crea- 
ture, that all the wild animals endeavour to avoid It, and 
most commonly escape by their superior swiftness. 

When pressed with hunger from repeated disappoirrt- 
m^nts, the Wolf becomes courageous from necessity. It 
then braves every danger, and even attacks those animals 
that are under the protection of man. Sometimes whole 
droves of them join in the cruel v;ork of general devasta* 
ti n, roam through the villages, and attack the she p« 
folds: They dig the earth under the doors, enter v^ih 
dreadful ferocity, and put every living creature to death 
before they depart. Tlie Horse is the only tame anFmal 
that can defend itself against them: Ail the weaker ani- 
mals become their prey: Even man himself, upon these 
occasions, frequently falls a victim to their rapacity ; and 
it is said that when once they have tasted humjan blood, 
they always give it the preference. — From hence, many 
superstitious stories have been told of the Wolf. The 
old Saxons believed, that it was possessed by some evil 
spirit, and called it the IFere-lFulf: and the French pea- 
sants, from the same reason, call itsthe Loup-garou, 

The language of the poet is beautifully descriptive of 
this creature's insatible fury : — 



HISTORY OF gUADRUPED^. 315 

*^ By wintry famine rous'd, from all the tract 

*' Of horrid mountains, which the shining Alps, 

<* And wavy Appenine, and Pyrenees, 

" Branch out, stupendous, into distant lands, 

"' Cruel as death 1 and hungry as the grave I 

*• Burning for blood! bony, andghaunt, and grim! 

'* Assembling Wolves, in raging troops, descend; 

*^ And^ pouring o'er the country, bear along, 

^* Keen as the north v>ind sweeps the glossy snov^, 

** All i« their pri-ze/^ 

The Wolf has great strength espeeially in the muscles 
of his neck and jaws: He can caiTy a Sheep in his 
mouth, and easily run off with it in that manner. His 
bite is cruel and deadly, and keener as it meets with kss 
resistance ; but when opposed, he is cautious and circum^ 
spect, and seldom fights but from necessity. He is hard- 
er and more robust, but not so sensible as the Dog. He 
almost incessantly prowls about for prey, and of all ani- 
mals is the most difficult to conquer in the chase. His 
sense of smelling is peculiarly strong; He scents the 
track of animals, and follows it with great perseverance : 
The odour of carrion strikes him at the distance of near 
a league. 

Wolves are capable of bearing want of food for a long 
time. To allay their hunger, they will sometimes fill 
their stomachs with mud. — They have been known to 
follow armies^ and assemble in troops upon the field of 
battle; tear up such bodies as have been carelessly inter- 
red^ and devour them with insatiable avidity. 

In all ages, the Wolf has been considered as the most 
savage enemy of mankind, and rewards were given for its 
head. Various methods have been taken to rid tlic 
world of this rapacious invader: Pit-lalls, traps, and 
poison, have all been employed against him 5 and, hap- 
pily for thiiise islands, the whole race has long been ex- 



3lS HiSTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

tirpated here. King Edgar attempted toefrect it in Eng- 
land by remitting the punishment of certain crimes on 
producing a number of Wolves' tongues; and in Vv'ales^ 
the tax of gold and silver was commuted for ^.n annual 
tribute of Wolves' heads. — Some centuries after tbatj 
they increased to such a degree, as to become an object 
of royal attention; and great rewards were given for de- 
stroying them. Camden informs us, that certain persons 
held their lands on condition of hunting, and destroying 
the Wolves that infested the count;-y; whence they were 
called the JVolve-^iunf.* ^ - > In the reign of Athelstan, 
Y/oIves abounded so much in Yorkshire, that a retreat 
was built at Fii?tton, to defend passengers from their at- 
tacks. --As the ravages of these animals were greatest 

during winter, oarticularjy m January, when the cold 
was severest, our Saxon ancestor? distinguished that 
month by the title of WQlfe-mancth, They also called an 
outlaw Woifshed^ as being cut of the prot^cvion of the 
jaw, and as liable to be killed as that destructive beast, — 
They infested Ireland many centuries after their extinc- 
tion in England; the last presentment for killing Wolves 
was- made in the county ofCork about the year 17 iO. 

These animals abound in the immense forests o\ Ger- 
many, where the following methods are taken to destroy 
them:— In some very sequestered part of the forest, they 
hang up a large piece of carrion on the branch of a tree, 
having previously made a train of some miles Jong, leav- 
ing small pieces of putrid flesh here and there to allure 
the Wolves to the spot: They then wait till it is dark, 
and approach the place with great circumspection ; where 
they sometimes find two or three Wolves assembled, leap- 
ing up, and straining themselves to catch the bait^ whicji 



HISTORY OF gUADRUPEDS* 31? 

is placed just within their reach 5 and while the animals 
are busily employed in this way^ the hu nters being pre* 
vided with fire-arms, seldom fail to dispatch them.— In a 
convenient place, at the foot of a dccHvity, they make a 
small inclosure pf strong pales, so high, that the Wolf, 
having once entered, cannot return again. An opening is 
left at the top of the bank; and a Sheep that has been 
long dead, is the bait ; to which he is allured by long 
trains, made from different places ■v\here he is known to 
liaunt. As soon as he arrives at the spot, he examines 
every part of the inclosure ; and finding no other v/ay 
to come at the booty, he precipitates himself to the bot- 
tom i^ and having made a plentiful meal, endeavours in 
vain to re-ascend. His disappointment at not being able 
to get back is productive of the most dreadful bowlings, 
which alarm his enemies ; and they either take him alive^ 
or dispatch him with bludgeons. It is remarkable, that 
when this animal finds there is no possibility of escaping, 
his courage entirely forsakes him, and he is for some 
time so stupified with fear, that he may be killed without 
offering to resist, or taken alive w ithout much danger.-^ 
Wolves are sometimes taken in strong nets, into whicn 
they are driven by the hunters, who surround a large 
tract of land, and with drums, horns, and other instru^ 
ments, accompanied with loud cries from a large com^ 
pany assembled upon the occasion, drive the animals to* 
wards the entrance of the nets, where they are entangled, 
and killed with clubs and hatchets. Great care must be 
taken to secure them at first : If they recover from their 
consternatiouj, they easily escape hv tearing the net to 
pieces. 



SlS HISTORV OF 2UADKUPEDS. 

Wolves are found, with some variety, in almost every 
country of the world. Those of Senegal are larger and 
fiercer than those of Europe. — In North- America, they 
are small, of a dark colour, and may be easily tamed. 
Before the introduction of Dogs, the savages made use 
of them in hunting the wild animals of the country ; and 
they are still employed for the same purpose in the more 
remote parts of that vast continent. They are said to 
hunt in packs, and run down the Deer by their scent. 
The appearance of these animals near the habitations of 
the Indians, sometimes indicates that the Bison or the 
Dq^t is at no great distance ; and when any of those are 
taken, the Wolves are rewarded with the offal. Catesby 
affirms, that the Wolves of that country have mixed with 
the Dogs carried thither by the Europeans, and produced- 
an intermediate race.— In the northern regions there are 
Wolves entirely white, and others of a deep-black. — In 
Mexico there is a variety of the Wolf, with a very large 
head, strong jaws, and great teeth : On the upper lip it 
has strorg bristles, not unlike the softer spines of the 
Porcupine, of a gray and white colours ; its ears are large 
and erect ■; its body is ash-coloured, spotted with black ; 
on its sides theie are black stripes from the back down- 
ward ; its neck is fat and thick, covered with a loose 
skin, marked with a long tawny stroke ^ on the breast is 
another of the same kind ; the tail is long, and tinged in- 
the middle with tawny; the legs and feet are striped 
with black. It inhabits the hot parts of Mexico or Newr 
Spain, is equally voracious with the European Wolf, at- 
tacks cattle, and sometimes men.— There are no Wolves 
further south on the new continent. 



HISTORY OF atTADRUPEIiS, 



m9 




THE JfEW SQUTH-F/ALES P70LF, 



Has been called a Dog; but its wild and savage nature 
seems strongly to point out its affini'y to the Wolf; to 
vvhich, in otlur respects, it bears a great resemblance. 
It neither barks nor growls ; but when vexed, ere^ ts the 
h^irs of its whole body like bristles, and appears extreme- 
ly furious. — It is fond of Rabbits and poultry, which it 
CP-gerly devours raw ; but will not touch dressed meat. 

One of them, sent to this country from Botany-Bay, 
was extremely nimble ; and so fierce, as to seize on every 
animal it saw. If not restrained, it would have run 
down Deer and Sheep : An Ass had also nearly fallen a 
victim to its fury. 

Its height is rather less than two feet ; the length two 
feet and a half: It is formed much like a Woif; its ears 
short and erect, and its tail long and bushy : Thegeneial 
colour is a pale-brown, lighter on the belly j the feet and 
inside of the legs are white. 



S2Q HISTORY OF gUADRUFEDS. 




THE JACKAL. 
(Canis Aureus^ Lin.— ^Ze Chacal, BufF.) 

We beg leave to make our acknowledgments to Mr- 
Pennant for the drawing of this animal, which he assures 
lis was drawn from the life ; and we doubt not, there- 
fore, its being a faithful representation. 

The species of the Jackal is diffused, with some varie- 
ty, through almost every part of Asia; and is found in 
Barbary, and other parts of Africa, as far as the Cape of 
Good Hope. 

Although it is one of the most numerous of all the 
w^ild animals of the East, there is scarcely any one less 
known in Europe, or more confusedly described by na- 
tural historians. 

They vary in size. Those of the warmest climates are 
said to be the largest. They are of a reddish-brown co- 
lour.- — The smaller Jackal is about the size of a Fox, and 
its colour is a bright-yellow. 

That the Jackal is nearly aliied to the Dog, has been 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 321 

clearly proved, from a circumstance related by Mr. Hun* 
ter, of a female Jackal taken on board an East-Indiaman 
at Bombay whilst a cub, and being impregnated by a 
Dog during the voyage, brought forth six puppies , one 
of which -afterwards produced young ones, from an inter- 
course with a Dog. — From these and other recent facts, 
it appears;, that the Fox, the Wolf, the Jackal, and the 
Dog, may be considered as different species of the same 
genus ; and that the Jackal makes nearer approaches to 
the Dog than either the Fox or the Wolf. 

Jackals go in packs of forty or fifty, and hunt like 
hounds in full cry from evening till morning. They de- 
stroy the poultry, and attack the flocks : They roam 
through the villages and gardens, and carry off every 
thing they can eat : They enter stables, yards, and out- 
houses, and devour skins, and every thing that is made 
of leather 3 such as harnessing, boots, shoes, &:c. No- 
thing can escape their rapacity. They will ransack the 
repositories of the dead, and greedily devour the most pu- 
trid bodies ; for which reason, in those countries where 
they abound, the inhabitants are obliged to make the 
graves of a great depth, and secure them vAth spines, to 
prevent the Jackals from raking up the earlh with their 
feet. They are said to attend caravans, and follow ar- 
mies, in hopes of being furnished v^'ith a banquet by 
disease or battle. They maybe considered as the vulture 
among quadrupeds j and, like that destructive bird, de- 
vour every thing indiscriminately that has once had ani- 
mal life. — They hide themselves in hoies and dens by 
day, and seldom appear abroad till the evening, when 
they fill the air with the most horrid bowlings, and begin 

X 



S^i HISTORY OF 2'JADRUPEDS. 

the chase. The Lion, the Panther, and other beasts of 
prey that do not follow by the scent, take advantage of 
the genera] consternation, and follow in silence behind 
till the Jackals have hunted down their prey: They then 
devour the fruits of their labours, and leave them only 
the remains of the spoil; from whence the Jackal has 
been vulgarly called the Lions provider^ as if those two 
animals acted in concert, and had formed a plan for their 
mutual support. 

The Jackal frequently pursues the Gazelle ; and is so 
bold, as to follow it even in the midst of a town or 
village, whither that timid animal frequently flies for 
protection, and by that means sometimes escapes. 

Sparrman's description of those he saw at the Cape 
differs materially from the accounts we have been able 
to collect from other authors. He says they are about 
three feet in length, and their tails little more than a 
foot long: The predominant colour is a reddish-yellow; 
the legs are of a pale gold colour; under the belly, and 
on the inside of the legs, the colour inchnes to white; 
the nose and ears are of a brighter red; the head, neck, 
and back are gray; the tail is partly gray, and partly of 
an umber colour, and black at the tip. He says it re- 
sembles the European Fox in form, manners, and disposi- 
tion; and is not known to assemble in packs for the pur- 
pose of hunting ;'^ neither is its voracity equal to that 

ascribed to it by other naturalists. It is probable it 

may have been confounded with the Wild Dog, which is 
common at theCape^ and hunts its prey in packs.*^ It is 
very fierce and mischievous, and very destructive to the 
fiocks of Sheep and Goats in those parts.— There are two 
kinds of these Dogs, — the one large, and of a reddish co- 



HtSTORY 6f gUADRU P£DS, 



SSfS 



Ibui"; the other less and browner. They are very bold> 
and wander about night and day in search of prey.— 
They make a noise somewhat like th^ cry of our common 
Hounds, and hunt vAih great sagaciiy, acting pertectiy 
in concert with each Other till the game falls a prey to 
the pack. They are said to be always extremely lean, 
and very ugly. 

M; BufFon mentions ah anirhal of the Jackal kind by 
the name of the ^^ir/;i"e' ; of v^hich he gives a drawing, 
somewhat resembiias; a small Fox, It is less than the 
common Jackal, and is sometimes tamed, and kept in a 
dbmei^tic state. 




X U 



524 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



THE DOG, 



Th£ services of this truly valuable creature have been 
so eminently useful to the domestic interests of men in 
all ages, that to give the history of the Do^ would be 
Tittle less than to trace mankind back to their original 
state of simplicity and freedom, to mark the progress of 
civilization through the various changes of the world, 
and to follow attentively the gradual advancement of that 
order which placed man at the head of the animal world, 
and gave him a manifest superiority over every part of 
the brute creation. 

If we consider for a moment the state of man without 
the aid of this useful domestic; — with what arts shall he 
oppose the numerous host of foes that surround him on 
all sides, seeking every opportunity to encroach upon his 
possessions, to destroy his labours, or endanger his per- 
sonal safety; or how shall he bring into subjection such 
as are necessary for his well-being? His utmost vigilance 
will not be sufficient to secure him from the rapacity of 
the one, nor his greatest exertions enable him to over- 
come the speed of the other. To maintain his indepen- 
dence, to insure his safety, and to provide for his sup- 
port, it was necessary that some one among the animals 
should be brought over to his assistance, whose zeal and 
feielity might be depended on : And where, amidst all 
the various orders of animated being, could one be found 
so entirely adapted to this purpose ? where could one be 
found so bold, so tractable, and so obedient as the Dog? 
— To confirm the truth of these observations, we need 
only turn our attention to the present condition of those 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. S^5 

nations tjOl yet emerged from s state of barbarism, where 
the uses of the Dog are but little known or attended to, 
and we will find that they lead a precarious and wretch- 
ed life of perpetual warfare vwith the still more savage in- 
habitants of the Forest, with which they are obliged to 
dispute the possession of their uncultivated fields, and, not 
unfrequently, to divide with them the fruits of their la- 
bours.— From hence we may conclude, that the attention 
of mankind, in the earliest ages, would be engaged in 
training and rendering this animal subservient to the im- 
portant purposes of domestic utility ; and the result of 
this art has been the conquest and peaceable possession 
of the earth. 

Of all animals, the Dog seems most susceptible of 
change, and most easily modified by difference of cli- 
mate, food, and education ; not only the figure of his 
body, but his faculties, habits, and dispositions, vary in a 
surprising manner: Nothing appears constant in them 
but their internal conformation, which is alike in all j in 
every other respect, they are very dissimilar: They vary 
in size, in figure, in the length of the nose and shape of 
the head, in the length and direction of the ears and tail, 
in the colour, quality, and quantity of the hair &:c. To 
enumerate the different kinds, or mark the discrimina- 
tions by which each is distinguished, would be a task as 
fruitless as it would be impossible ; to account for. this 
w^onderful variety, or investigate the character of the pri- 
mitive stock from which they have sprung, would be 
equally vain. Of this only we are certain, that, in every 
age^ Dogs have been found possessed of qualities most 
admirably adapted for the various purposes to which they 



526 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

have beai from time to time applied.— We have seen^ in 
the history of the Cow and the Sheep, that those animals 
which have been long under the management of man, 
never preserve Jhe stamp of nature in its original purity. 
In w^ild animalSj which still enjoy their natiiral freedom 
from restraint, and have the independent choice of food 
«ind climate, this impression is still faithfully preserved; 
but those which man has subdued, transported from cli- 
mate to climate, changed their food, habits and manner 
of living, must necessarily have suffered the greatest alter- 
ations in their form ; and as the Dog, of all other do- 
mestic animals, is most accustomed to this influence, is 
endowed with dispositions the most docile and obedient, 
is susceptible of every impression, and submissive to every 
restraint, we need not wonder that he should be subject 
to the greatest variety. To an attentive observer of the 
canine race, it is truly wonderful and curious to observe 
the rapid changes and singular combinations of forms, 
arising from promiscuous intercourse, which every where 
present themselves: They appear in endless succession, 
and seem more like the effect of whimsical caprice than 
the regular and uniform production of Nature : So that, 
in whatever light we consider the various mixtures which 
^t present abound, and render every idea of a systematic 
arrangement dubious and problematical, we may fairly 
presume, that the services of the Dog would be first re= 
quired in maintaining and preserving the superiority of 
man over those animals which were destined for his sup= 
port. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 



SS7 




'miiii;:^ 



'<^>^^^^^<' -^S'-^^fev 



THE SHEPHERUs DOG. 
{Cams domesticus, Lin.- — Le Chien de Bcrger, Buff.) 

This useful animal, ever faithful to his charge, reigns 
at the head of the flock; where he is better heard, and 
more attended to, than even the voice of the shepherd. 
Safety, order, and discipline, are the fruits of his vigi- 
lance and activity,. 

In those large tracts ef land which, in many parts of 
our island, are solely appropriated to the feeding of 
Sheep and other cattle, this sagacious animal is of the 
utmost importance. Immense flocks may be seen conti- 
nually ranging over those extensive wilds, as far as the 
eye can reach, seemingly without controuh Their only 
guide is the shepherd, attended by his Dog, the constant 
companion of his toils: It receives his commands, and is 
always prompt to execute them; it is the watchful guar- 
dian of the iiock, prevents them from stragghng, keeps 
them together, and conducts them iVom one part of their 

X 4 



32S HtSTORY OF gUADRUPEDS. 

pasture to another; it will not suffer any strangers to mix 
with them, but carefully keeps off every intruder. In 
driving a number of Sheep to any distant part, a \Yd\- 
trained Dog never fails to confine them to the road, 
watches every avenue that leads from it ; where he takes 
his stand, threatening every delinquent: He pursues the 
stragglers, if any should escape, and forces them into 
order, without doing them the least injury. If the herds- 
man be at any time absent from the flock, he depends 
upon his Dog to keep them together; and as soon as he 
gives the well-known signal, this faithful creature con- 
ducts them to his master, though at a considerable dis- 
tance. 

There is a very remarkable singularity in the feet of 
the Shepherd's Dog, w^hich we have likewise observed in 
those of the Cur and the Spaniel. All of them have one 
and some two toes more than most Dogs, though they 
seem not to be of much use. They appear to be desti- 
tute of muscles, and hang dangling at the hind part of 
the leg more like an unnatural excrescence than a neces- 
sary part of the animal. But the adage, that ' Nature 
has made nothing in vain,' ought to correct our decisions 
on their utility, which probably may exist unknown tons. 

This breed of Dogs, at present, appears to be pre- 
served, in the greatest purity, in the northern parts of 
Scotland; where its aid is highly necessary in managing 
the numerous herds of Sheep bred in those extensive 
wilds. 



HISTORY OF (QUADRUPEDS, 3^9 




THE CUR DOG, 

Is a trusty and useful servant to the farmer and grazier; 
and, although it is not taken notice of by naturalists as a 
distinct race, yet it is now so generally used, especially 
in the North of England, and such great attention is paid 
in breeding it, that v/e cannot help considering it as a 
permanent kind. 

They are chiefly employed in driving cattle ; in which 
way they are extremely us6ful. They are larger, strong- 
er, and fiercer than the Shepherd's Dog ; and their hair 
is smoother and shorter. They are mostly of a black and 
white colour; their ears are half-pricked ; and many 
of them are whelped with short tails, which seem as if 
they had been cut : These are called Self-failed Dogs. 
They bite very keenly ; and as they always make their 
attack at the heels, the cattle have no defence against 
them. In this way, they are more than a match for a 
Bull, which they quickly compel to run. — ^Their sagacity 
is uncommonly great : They know their master's fields. 



SSO HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

and are singularly attentive to the cattle that are in them : 
-—A good Dog watches, goes his rounds; and, if any 
strange cattle should happen to appear among the herd^ 
although unbidden, he quickly flies at them, and with 
keen bites obliges them to depart. 

Similar to the Cur, is that which is commonly used in 
driving cattle to the slaughter : And as these Dogs liave 
frequently to go long journies, great strength, as well as 
swiftness, is required for that purpose. They are there- 
fore generally of a mixed kind, and unite in them the 
several qualities of the Shepherd's Dog, the Cur, the 
Mastiff, and the Greyhound. — Thus, by a judicious mix- 
ture of different kinds, the services of the Dog are ren- 
dered still more various and extensive, and the great pur* 
poses of domestic utility more fully answered. 




HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



S3; 




==^r^~Siv*^''*»=^'«SS5 



THE GREEKLA-KD BOG. 



[Le Ciiien de Slbine, BufF.) 

The savage aspect and disposition of this Dog seem to 
bear some affinity to the rigours of the climate it inba-^ 
bits. 

The Pomeranian or Wolf Dog of M. Buffon, the Si- 
berian, Lapland, and Iceland Dogs are somewhat similar 
to it in the sharpness of their muzzles, in their long shag- 
gy hair, and bushy curling tails. The principal differ- 
ence is in their size. — Though much larger, they all of 
them have some resemblance to the Shepherd's Dog. 

Most of the Greenland Dogs are white, but some are 
spotted, and some black. They may rather be said to 
howl than bark. — The Greenlanders sometimes eat their 
flesh : They make garments of their skins, and use them 
Jn drawing sledges ; to which they yoke them, four,-live. 



33^ HISTORY OF (QUADRUPEDS. 

and sometimes six together.*-— r-The Dogs ofKainscliat- 
ka are commonly black or vf hite. They .^re strong, nim- 
ble, and active/ and are very useful in drawing sledges, 
the only method of Iravelling in that dreary coantry du- 
ring the winter. They travel with great expedition. 
Captain King relates, that^ during his stay there, a cou- 
rier with dispatches, drawn by them, performed a jour- 
ney of 270 miles in less than four days. 

The sledges are usually drav/n by five Dogs, four of 
them yoked two and two abreast : The foremost acts as a 
leader to the rest. The reins being fastened to a collar 
round the leading Dog-s neck, are of little use in direct- 
ing the pack; the driver depending chiefly upon their 
obedience to his voice, with which be animates them to 
proceed. Great care and attention are consequently used 
in training up those for leaders, which are more valuable 
according to their steadiness and docility ; the sum of 
forty roubles, or ten pounds, being no unusual price for 
one of them. — The rider has a crooked stick, answering 
the purpose both of whip and reins j with which, by 
striking on the snow, he regulates the speed of the Dogs, 
or stops them at his pleasure. When they are inatten- 
tive to their duty, he often chastises them by throwing it 
at them. He discovers great dexterity in regaining his - 
stick, which is the greatest difficulty attending his situa- 
tion ; for if he should happen to lose it, the Dogs imme- 
diately discover the circumstance, and never fail to set 
off at full speed, and continue to run till their strength is 
exhausted, or till the carriage is overturned, and dashed 
to pieces, or hurried down a precipice. 

* Five oftlie?e Dogs, that had escaped with their trappings, 
were found in Greenland, and brought to this country a few years 
ag© by one of our ships in the fishery. 



HISTORY OF ouadrupi:ds. 333 

In December, 1784, a Dog was left by a smuggling 
vessel near Boomer, on the coast of Northumberland. — -' 
Finding himself deserted, he began to worry Sheep; and 
did so much damage, that he became the terror of the 
country within a circuit of above twenty miles. We are 
assured, that when he caught a Sheep, he bit a whole in 
its right side, and after eating the tailov/ about the kid^ 
neys, left it: Several of them, thus lacerated, w^ere found 
alive by the shepherds; and being taken proper care of, 
some of them recovered, and afterwards had- lambs. — 
From his delicacy in this respect, the destruction he 
made may in some measure be conceived ; as it may be 
supposed, that the fat of one Sheep in a day would hard- 
ly satisfy his hunger. The farmers were so much a- 
jarmed by his depredations, that various means were 
used for his destruction. They frequently pursued him 
with Hounds, Greyhounds, &c. ; but when the Dogs 
came up with him, he laid down on his back, as if sup- 
plicating for mercy; and in that position they never hurt 
him: He therefore laid quietly, taking his rest till the 
hunters approached, when he made off, without bting 
followed by the Hounds, till they were again excited to 
the pursuit, which always terminated unsuccessfully. 
— It is worthy of notice, that he was one day pursued 
from Howick to upwards of thirty miles disrance; but 
returned thither, and killed Sheep the same evening.-^ 
His constant residence, during the day, was upon a rock 
on the Heugh-hill, near Howick, where he had a view 
of four roads that approached it; and in March, l":S5, 
after many fruitless attempts, he was at last c^bot thc:o. 



334 



HISTORY OF (JUADRUPEDSc 




<^:^^ 



THE BULL-BOG, 

Is the fiercest of all the Dog kind, and is probably the 
iTiOst courageous creature in the world. It is low in sta= 
ture but very strong and muscular. Irs nose is short ; 
and the under jaw projects beyond the upper, which 
gives it a fierce and unpleasing aspect.— Its courage in 
i'ttacking the Bull is well known: Its fury in seizings 
Jind its invincible obstinacy in maintaining its hold, are 
truly astonishing. It always aims at the front ; and ge- 
nerally fastens upon the lip, the tongue^ the eye, or some 
part of the face ; where it hangs, in spite of every e^ort 
of the Bull to disengage hlm.self. 

The uncommon ardour of these Dogs in fighiing will 
be best illustrated by the following fact, related by an 
eye-witness; which at the same time corroborates, in 
some degree, that v/onderful account of the Dogs of 
EpiruSj given by Elian, and quoted by Dr. Goldsmith in 
tlie history of the Dog: Some years ago, at a bull- 
baiting in the North of England, when that barbarous 
custom was very common, a young man.^ confident di 



HISTORY OF S^ADRUPEDS. 



3S5 



the courage of his Dog, laid some trifling wager, that 
he would, at separate times, cut off all the four feet of 
his Dog ; and that, after every amputation, it would at- 
tack the Bull. The cruel experiment was tried, and the 
Dog continued to seize the Bull as eagerly as if he had 
been perfectly whole. 

Of late years this inhuman custom of baiting the Bull 
has been almost entirely laid aside in the North of Eng- 
land ; and, consequently, there are now few of this kind 
of Dogs to be seen. 

As the Bull-Dog always makes his attack without 
barking, it is very dangerous to approach him alone, 
without the greatest precaution. 




336 



HISTORY OF gUADRUPEDS. 




'THE MASTIFF, 

(Cams MolossiiSj Liii. — Le JDogue, Buff.) 

Is much larger and stronger than the Bull-Dog : its ears 
are more pendulous; its lips are large and loose; its as- 
pect is sullen and grave, and its bark loud and terrific. — 
He seems every way formed for the important trust of 
guarding and securing the valuable property committed 
to his care. Houses, gardens, yards, &:c. arc safe from 
depredations whilst in his custody. Confined during the 
day, as soon as the gates are locked, he is left to range 
at full liberty: He then goes round the premisses, exa- 
mines every part of them, and by loud barkings gives no- 
tice that he is ready to defend his charge. 

Dr. Caius^ in his curious treatise on British Dogs, tells 
us, that three of these animals v^ere reckoned a match 
for a Bear, and four for a Lion. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 337 

We have a curious account, recorded in Slew's An- 
nals, of an engagement between three Mastiffs, and a 
Lion, in the presence of James the First. '' One of the 
Dogs being put into the den, was soon disabled by the 
Lion, which took it by the head and neck, and dragged 
it about : Another Dog was then let loose, and served in 
the same manner: But the third being put in, immedi- 
ately seized the Lion by the lip, and held him for a con- 
siderable time ; till being severely torn by his claws, the 
Dog was obliged to quit its hold ; and the Lion, greatly 
exhausted in the conflict, refused to renew the engage- 
ment ; but taking a sudden leap over the Dogs, fled into 
the interior pait of his den. Two of the Dogs soon died 
of their wounds : The last survived, and was taken great 
care of by the king's son ; who said, '' he that had 
fought with the king of beasts, should never after fight 
with any inferior creature." 

The Mastiffs of Great-Britain were noted in the time 
of the Roman Emperors, who appointed an officer, whose , 
sole business it wds to breed and send from hence such as 
would prove equal to the combats of the amphitheatre. 

The following anecdote will shew, that the Mastiff^ 
conscious of its superior strength, know s how to chastise 
the impertinence of an inferior : — A large Dog of this 
kind, belonging to the late M. Ridley, Esq. of Heatton^ 
near Newcastle, being frequently molested by a Mongi'el, 
and teazed by its continual barking, at last took it up in 
his mouth by the back, and with great composure diop- 
ped it over the quay into the river, w ithout doing any 
further injury to an enemy so much his inferior. 

The Mastiff, in its pure and unmixed state, is now se!- 

Y 



338 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

dom to be met with. The generality of Dogs distin- 
guished by that name, seem to be compounded of the 
Bull-Dog, Danish Mastiff, and the Ban-Dog. 




THE BAJV'DOG, 

Is a variety of this fierce tribe, not often to be seen at 
present. It is lighter, smaller, more active and vigilant, 
than the Mastiff, but not so powerful ; its nose is smal- 
ler, and possesses, in some degree, the scent of the 
Hound ; its hair is rougher, and generally of a yellowish- 
gray, streaked with shades of a black or brown colour. 
It does not invariably, like the preceding kinds, attack its 
adversary in front, but frequently seizes cattle by the 
flank. It attacks with eagerness, and its bite is keen 
and dangerous. 




HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



339 




THE DALMATIAN, OR COACH DOG, 

(Le Braque de Bengal, Buff.) 

Has been erroneously called the Danish Dog ; and, by M. 
Buffon, the Harrier of Bengal ; but for what reason it is 
difficult to ascertain, as its incapacity of scenting is suffi- 
cient to destroy all affinity to any dog employed in the 
pursuit of the Hare. 

It is common in this country at present, and is fre- 
quently kept in genteel houses, as an elegant attendant on 
a carriage.- — We do not, however, admire the cruel prac- 
tice of depriving the poor animal of its ears, in order to 
encrease its beauty; a practice so general, that we do 
not remember ever to have seen one of these Dogs un- 
jnijtilated in that vfay. 



Y 2 



340 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




THE IRISH GRETHOtfJVD, 

(Canis Grains Hibernicus^ Ray. — Le Matin ^ Buff.) 

Is the largest of the Dog kind, and its appearance the 

most beautiful and majestic It is only to be found in 

Ireland, where it was formerly of great use in clearing 
the country from Wolves. — It is now extremely rare, 
and is kept rather for show^ than use, being equally un- 
serviceable for hunting either the Stag, the Fox, or the 
Hare. 

These Dogs are about three feet high, generally of a 
white or cinnamon colour, and made somewhat like a 
Greyhound, but more robust : Their aspect is mild, and 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 341 

their disposition gentle and peaceable : Their strength is 
so great, that in combat the Mastiff or Bull-Dog is far 
from being equal to them. They mostly seize their anta- 
gonists by the back, and shake them to death, which 
their great size generally enables them to do with ease. 
M. Buffon supposes the Great Danish Dog to be only a 

variety of the Irish Greyhound. Next to this, in size 

and strength, is 



THE SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GREY- 
'HOUMD, OR WOLF-DOG; 

Wh ic H was formerly used by the chieftains of that coun- 
try in their grand bunting parties, — One of them, which 
we saw some years ago, was a large, powerful, fierce- 
looking Dog; its ears were pendulous, and its eyes half 
hid in the hair; its body was strong and muscular, and 
covered with harsh, w iry, reddish hair, mixed with white. 

THE GAZEHOUJ^D, 



Was somewhat similar to the Greyhound; and, like that 
animal, hunted only by the eye. It was formerly in 
great repute, but is now unknown to us. It was used in 
hunting either the Fox, the Hare, or the Stag. It would 
select from the rest the fattest Deer, pursue it by the eye, 
and though it should rejoin the herd, would infallibly fix 
upon the same, and pursue it till taken. 

Y 3 



342 



HISTORY or gUADKUPEl?^. 




IP 



'HE GRETHOUJfD, 



fCanis Grains^ Lin. — Le Levrier^ BufF.) 

M. BufFon supposes to be the Irish Greyhound, rendered 
thinner and more delicate by the difference of climate 
and culture : But whatever truth there may be in the 
fanciful arrangement of that ingenious author, there is 
an evident similarity of form in all of those just mention- 
ed; particularly in the depth of the chest, in the length 
of the legs, and in the smallness of the muzzle. 

The Greyhound is the fleetest of all Dogs, and can 
outrun eveiy animal of the chase; but as it wants the fa- 
culty of scenting, it only follows by the eye. It was for- 
merly held in such estimation, as to be considered the pe- 
culiar companion of gentlemen; and, by the forest law^s 
of King Canute, it was enacted, that no person under 
that degree should presume to keep a Greyhound. 

The Small Italian Greyhound \s not above half the size, 
but perfectly similai' in form> Its shape is exquisitely 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 343 

beautiful and delicate. It is not common in this country, 
the climate being too rigorous for the extreme delicacy 
©f its constitution. 

THE LTEMMER, 

So called from its being led in a thong, and slipped at 
the game. — Dr. Caius informs us, that it hunted both by 
the scent and sight; and, in its form, was between the 
Hound and the Greyhound, — It is now unknown to us. 




THE LURCHER, 

Is less and shorter than the Greyhound, and its limbs 
stronger; Its body is covered with a rough coat of hair, 
most commonly of a pale-yellow colour; its aspect is sul- 
len, and its habits, from whence it derives its name, ai'e 

dark and cunning. 

Y 4 



344 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

As this Dog possesses the advantage of a fine scent, it 
is often employed in killing Hares and Rabbits in the 
night time. When taken to the waiTen, it steals out 
with the utmost precaution, watches and scents the Rab- 
bits while they are feeding, and darts upon them without 
barking or making the least noise. One of them will 
singly make incredible havock in a short time ; and is so 
trained, as to bring its booty to its master, who waits in 
some convenient place to receive it.^ They are so de- 
structive, and have been so often employed in illicit prac- 
tices, that they are now, with great propriety, proscribed, 
and the breed is almost extinct. 

Another Dog of this family, formerly in use, but now 
only known to us by its name, is 

THE TUMBLER, 

Which was so called from its cunning manner of taking 
Rabbits and other game. It did not run directly at 
them, but, in a careless and inattentive manner, tum- 
bled itself about till it came within reach of its prey, 
which it always seized by a sudden spring. 

* We have seen a Dog and a Bitch of this kind in the posses- 
sion of a man who had formejly used them for the purpose above 
described. He declared, that he could at that time procure in an 
evening as many Rabbits with them as he could carry home. 




HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 345 




THE TERRIER, 

Has a most acute smell, is generally an attendant on eve- 
ry pack of Hounds, and is very expert in forcing Foxes 
or other game out of their coverts. It is the determined 
enemy of all the vermin kind; such as Weasels, Fou- 
marts, Badgers, Rats, Mice, &c. It is fierce, keen, and 
hardy; and, in its encounters with the Badger, some^ 
time meets with very severe treatment, which it sustains 
with great courage and fortitude. A well-trained veteran 
Dog frequently proves more than a match for that hard- 
bitten animal. 

There are two kinds of Terriers, — the one roughs 
short-legged, long-backed, very strong and most com- 
monly of a black or yellowish colour, mixed with white ; 
the other is smooth, sleek, and beautifully formed, having 
a shorter body, and more sprightly appearance: It is ge- 
nerally of a reddish-brown colour, or black, with tanned 
legs; and is similar to the rough Terrier in disposition. 
and faculties, but inferior in size, sti*ength, and hardi- 
ness. 



34f6 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDi. 




THE BEAGLE, 

Of those Dogs that are kept for the business of the 
chase in this country, the Beagle is the smallest, and is 
only used in hunting the Hare. Although far inferior in 
point of speed to that animal, it follows by the exquisite- 
ness of its scent, and traces her footsteps through all her 
various windings with great exactness and perseverance. 
Its tones are soft and musical, and add greatly to the 
pleasures of the chase. 




HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



S47 




THE HARRIER, 

(Le Braque^ Buff.) 

Which chiefly differs from the Beagle in being somewhat 
larger, is very nimble and vigorous. It pursues the Hare 
w^ith the most impetuous eagerness, and gives her no 
time to breathe nor double. The most eager sportsmen 
generally find it sufficient exercise to keep in with their 
speed. — They exert their voices with great chearfulness, 
and make delightful harmony, 

A mixt breed, between this and the large Terrier, 
fonns a strong, active, and haidy Hound, used in hunt- 
ing the Otter. — It is rough, wire-haired, thick-quartered, 
long-eared, and thin- shouldered. 

There is reason to suppose, that the Beagle and the 
Harrier must have been introduced into Great-Britain af- 
ter the Romans became masters of the island; as, before 



34^8 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



that period, the Britons were occupied in clearing their 
extensive forests of the various v/ild beasts, such as Wild- 
Boars, Bears, Wolves, Sec. with which they abounded; 
and, for that purpose, larger and stronger Dogs than the 
HaiTier or the Beagle would be required. 




THE FOX-HOUJVD. 

No country in Europe can boast of Fox-hounds equal 
in swiftness, strength, or agility, to those of Britain; 
where the utmost attention is paid to their breeding, 
education, and maintenance. The climate also seems 
congenial to their nature ; for it has been said, that when 
Hounds of the English breed have been sent into France 
or other countries, they quickly degenerate, and in some 
degree lose those qualities for which they were originally 
so admirable. 



HISTORY GF QUADRUPEDS. 349 

In England, the attachment to the chase, is in some 
measure considered as a trait in the national character ; 
consequently, it is not to be wondered at that our Dogs 
and Horses should excel all others in that noble diversion. 
This propensity appears to be encreasing in the nation ; 
and no price seems now thought too great for Hounds of 
known excellence.^ 

The Fox -Hounds generally preferred are tall, light- 
made, but strong, and possessed of great courage, speed, 
and activity. 

The habits and faculties, of these Dogs are so generally 
known, as to render any description unnecessary. 

Dogs of the same kind are also trained to the hunting 
of the Stag and other Deer. 

The following anecdote affords a proof of their won- 
derful spirit in supporting a continuity of exertion : — 

** Many years since, a very large Stag, was turned out 
of Whinfield Park, in the county of Westmoreland, and 
pursued by the Hounds till, by fatigue or accident, the 
whole pack were thrown out, except two staunch and 
favourite Dogs, which continued the chase the greatest 
pail of the day. The Stag returned to the park from 
whence he set out ; and, as his last effort, leapt the 
wall, and expired a-s soon as he had accomplished iu 
One of the Hounds pursued to the wall ; but being un- 
able to get over it, laid down, and almost immediately 
expired : The other was also found dead at a small dis- 
tance. 

" The length of the chase is uncertain : But, as they 
were seen at Red- kirks, near Annan, in Scotland, distant, 

* In 1788, Mr. Noel's pack was sold to Sn Wm. Lowther Bart, 
for 1000 guineas. 



350 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

by the post-road, about forty-six miles, it is conjectured, 
that the circuitous and uneven course they might be sup- 
posed to take, would not be less than one hundred and 
twenty miles. 

*' To commemorate this fact, the horns of the Stag, 
vvhich were the largest ever seen in that part of the 
coimtry, were placed on a tree of a most enormous size, 
in the pai'k, (afterwards called the Hart-horn tree) ac- 
companied with this inscription, 

« Hercules kiird Hart o'Greece ; 

« And Hart o'Greece kill'd Hercules/' 

*' The horns have been since removed, and are now 
at Julian's Bower, in the same county." 




HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 



S5l 




THE OLD'EJ^GLISH HOUJfD, 



^Canis Sagax, Lin. — Le Chien currant^ Buff.) 

Is described by Whitaker, in his History of Manchester, 
^ as the original breed of England, used by the ancient 

Britons in the chase of the larger kinds of game, with 

which their country abounded. 

This valuable Hound is distinguished by its great size 

and strength. Its body is long, its chest deep, its ears 
long and sweeping, and the tone of its voice is peculiarly 
deep and mellow. — From the particular formation of its 
organs, or from the extraordinary moisture that alwa} s 
adheres to its nose and lips, or perhaps from some other 
unknown cause, it is endued with the most exquisite 
sense of smelling, and can often distinguish the scent an 
hour after the lighter Beagles have given it up. Their 



352 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

slowness also disposes them to receive the directions of 
the huntsman : But as they are able to hunt a cold scent, 
they are too apt to make it so by their want of speed, 
and tedious exactness. 

These Dogs were once common in ever}'- part of Great- 
Britain, and were formerly much larger than at present. 

The breed, which has been gradually declining, and 
its size studiously diminished by a mixture of other kinds 
in order to increase its speed, is now almost extinct. 

It seems to have been accurately described by Shake- 
speare, in the following lines. 

<* My Hounds are bred out of the Spartan kind, 
*' So fiew'd, so sanded; and their heads are hung 
" With ears that s\^eepaway the morning dew; 
" Crook-kneed and dew-lap'd, like Thessalian bulls; 
" Slow in pursuit; but match'd in mouth like belis, 
" Each under each." 

Besides these, there is a variety called the Kibble- 
Bound, produced by a mixture of the Beagle and the Old 
English Hound. 

THE BLOOD'HOUJ^D, 

Was in great request with our ancestors; and as it was 
remarkable for the fineness of its scent, it was frequently 
employed in recovering game that had escapied wounded 
from the hunter. It could follow, with great certainty, 
the footsteps of a man to a considerable distance : And in 
barbarous and uncivilized times, when the thief or mur- 
derer had fled, this useful creature would trace liim 
through the thickest and most secret covert.; nor would 
it cease its pursuit till it had taken the felon. For this 
reason, there was a lav/ in Scotland, that whoever de- 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. S5S 

nied entrance to one of these Dogs in pursuit of stol en 
goods, should be deemed an accessary. 

Blood- Hounds were formerly used in certain districts 
lying between England and Scotland, which were much 
infested by robbers and murderers ; and a tax was laid 
upon the inhabitants for keeping and maintaining a cer- 
tain number of them. But, as the arm of justice is now 
extended over every part of the country, and there are no 
secret recesses where villainy may lie concealed, these 
services are no longer necessary. 

In Scotland, it was distinguished by the name of the 
Sleuth 'Hound. 

Some few of these Dogs are still kept in the southern 
part of the kingdom, and are used in pursuit of Deer 
that have been previously w^ounded by a shot to draw 
blood, the scent of vv^hich enables them to pursue with 
most unerring steadiness. — They are sometimes employ- 
ed in discovering deer- stealers, whom they infallibly track 
by the blood that issues from the wounds of their victims. 
They are also said to be kept in convents, situated in 
the lonely and mountainous countries of Switzerland, 
both as a guard to the sacred mansion, as well as to find 
out the bodies of men that have been unfortunately lost 
in crossing those wild and dreaiy tracts. 

The Blood- Hound is taller than the Old English 
Hound, most beautifully fonned, and superior to every 
other kind in activity, speed, and sagacity. — They sel- 
dom bark, except in the chase; they ai^e commonly of a 
reddish or brown colour. 

A Hound bitch, belonging to the Rivington hunt, 
near Bolton, pupped four whelps during a hai'd chase, 

Z 



354 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

which she carefully covered in a rush aisle, and immedi- 
ately after joined the pack. Shortly after, she pupped 
another, which she carried in her mouth during the re- 
mainder of a chase of many miles : After which, she 
returned to the place where she had dropped the four. 

Somervile thus beautifully describes their mode of 
pursuing the nightly spoiler. 

« Soon the sagacious brute, his curling tail 

" Flourish'd in air, low bending, plies around 

" His busy nose, the steaming vapour snufFs 

" Inquisitive, nor leaves one turf untry'd, 

" Till, conscious of the recent stains, his heart 

*' Beats quick ; his snuffling nose, his active tail, 

" Attests his joy : Then with deep-op'ning mouth, 

*' That makes the welkin tremble, he proclaims 

" Th' audacious felon: Foot by foot he marks 

" His winding way, while all the list'ning crowd 

*' Applaud his reas'nings: O'er the wat'ry ford, 

^' Dry sandy heaths, and stony barren hills; 

" O'er beaten paths, with men and beasts distain'd, 

*' Unerring he pursues, till at the cot 

** Arriv'd, and seizing by his guilty throat 

" The caitiff* vile, redeems the captive prey : 

" So exquisitely delicate his sense !" 




HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 355 




THE SPAJSriSH POIJVTERy 
(Call is Avtcularhis, Lin.) 

Is of a foreign origin, as its name seems to imply ; but it 
is now natm'alized in England, which has long been 
famous for Dogs of this kind ; the greatest attention be- 
ing paid to preserve the breed in its utmost purit}^ 

This Dog is remarkable for the aptness and facility 
with which it receives instruction. It may be said to be 
almost self-taught ; whilst the English Pointer requires 
the greatest care and attention in breaking and training 
to the sport. The Spanish pointer, however, is not so 
durable and hardy, nor so able to undergo the fatigues of 
an extensive range. It is chiefly employed in finding 
partridges, pheasants, Sec. either for the gun or the net. 

It is said, that an English nobleman (Robert Dudly, 
Duke of Northumberland) was the first that broke a Set- 
ting-Dog to the net. 

Z 2 



366 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 






^t:^N^ ^'^'^^ 




THE EJ^/GLISH SETTER, 

Is a hardy, active, handsome Dog. — Its scent is exqui- 
site ; and it ranges with great speed and wonderful per- 
severance. Its sagacity in discovering the various kinds 
of game, and its caution in approaching them, are truly 
astonishing. But as the uses of this valuable Dog are so 
well known, we will conclude with the following beau^ 
tiful quotation from Somervile: — 

" When autumn smiles, all-beauteous in decay, 

** And paints each chequer'd grove with various hues, 

*' My Setter ranges in the new-shorn fields, 

" His nose in air erect; from ridge to ridge 

" Panting he bounds, his quarter'd ground divides 

** In eoiial intervals, nor careless leaves 

" One inch untry'd : At length the tainted gales 

" His nostrils wide inhale; quick jov elates 

" His beating heart, which, aw'd by discipline 

" Severe, he dares not own, but cautious creeps^ 

" Low-cow'ring, step by step ; at last attains 

" His proper distance ; there he stops at once, 

*' And points with his instructive no?eupoii 

'• The trembling prey."——- — • 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



357 




THE MEWFOU^DLAJfD DOG, 

The drawing of this Dog was taken from a very fine 
one at Eslington, in the county of Northumberland. Its 
dimensions were as follow : — 

From its nose to the end of its tail, it measured 
six feet two inches ; the length of its tail, one foot ten 
inches ; from one fore foot right over its shoulders to the 
other, five feet seven inches ; girt behind the shoulder, 
three feet two inches ; round its head over its ears, two 
feet ; round the upper part of its fore leg, nine inches 
and a half. It was web-footed, coi^ld swim extremely 
fast, dive with great ease, and bring up any thing from 



Z 3 



358 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 

the bottom of the water. It was naturally fond of fish p 
and ate raw trouts, or other small fish, out of the nets. 

This breed of Dogs was originally brought from the 
country of which they bear the name, where their great 
strength and docility render them extremely useful to the 
settlers on those coasts, who use them in bringing down 
wood from the interior parts of the country to the sea- 
side : Thi-ee or four of them yoked to a sledge v/ill draw 
two or three hundred weight of wood piled upon it, for 
several miles, with great ease : They are not attended 
with a driver, nor any person to guide them : but after 
having delivered their loading, they return immediately 
to the woods, where they are accustomed to be fed with 
dried fish, &c. 

The extraordinary sagacity of these Dogs, and their at- 
tachment to their masters, render them highly valuable in 
particular situations. 

During a severe storm,, in the winter of 1789, a ship, 
belonging to Newcastle, was lost near Yarmouth ; and a 
Newfoundla.nd Dog alone escaped to shore, bringing in 
his mouth the captain's pocket book. He landed amidst 
a number of people, several of whom in vain endeavour- 
ed to take it from him. The sagacious animal, as if sen- 
sible of the importance of the ehai'ge, Vv^hich in all proba- 
bility was delivered to him by his perishing master, at 
length leapt fav/ningly against the breast of a man, who 
had attracted his notice among the crov. d, and delivered 
the book to him. The Dog immediately returned to the 
place where he had landed, and v/atched with great at- 
tention for every tiling that came from the vrrecked ves- 
sel, seizing them, and endeavouring to bring them ta 
land. 



369 



HISTORY OP QUADRUPEDS. 

The following is another instance of their great doci- 
lity and strength of observation : — -A gentleman walking 
by the side of the river Tyne, and observing, on the op- 
posite side, a child fall into the water, gave notice to his 
Dog, which immediately jumped in, swam over, and 
catching hold of the child with its mouth brought it safe 
to land. 




Z 4 



S6o 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




Hiiumwii ''iji' ' 



THE LARGE ROUGH fFATER DOG, 



{Cams aviarius AqiiaticiiSi Lin. 

Buff.) 



-Le Grand Barhet, 



Is web-footed, swims with great ease, and is used in 
hunting ducks and other aquatic birds. — From its aptness 
to fetch and carry, it is frequently kept on board of ships, 
for the purpose of recovering any thing that has fallen 
overboai^d ; and is likewise useful in taking up birds that 
are shot, and drop into the sea. 

There is a variety much smaller. — -They are both re- 
markable for their long and shaggy coat, which frequent- 
ly incommodes them by growing over their eyes. 




HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



S6l 




THE LARGE WATER SPAMIEL, 

Th e drawing of this beautiful animal was made from 
one of the finest of its kind, in the possession of J. E. 
Blackett, Esq. of Newcastle upon Tyne. 

This kind of Dog is valuable for its great docility and 
attachment to its master. It receives instructions with 
readiness, and obeys v\^ith uncommon alacrity. — Its form 
is elegant, its hair beautifully curled or crisped, its ears 
long, and its aspect mild and sagacious. — It is fond of 
the water, and swims well. It is chiefly used in disco- 
vering the haunts of wild-ducks and other water fo^vl, 
and also in finding birds that have been shot or disabled. 
—It is probably the Finder^ described by Caius. 




>/;/r/'-'N<ifis^^i;;^^ 



S62 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 







THE SMALL WATER SPAMIEL, 

Is similar to the other in form, habits, and disposition ; 
and its capacity for receiving instruction is equally good. 
With looks of extreme attention and sensibility, it ob- 
serves the motions of its master, and catches the well- 
known signal with amazing promptitude. 

The various tricks which these Dogs ai'e sometimes 
taught to perform, seem more like the effect of reasoning 
powers, than of undiscerning instinct. 




HISTORY OF OUADRirPEDS. 



63 




THE SPRINGER, OR COCKER, 

Is lively, active, and pleasant ; an unwearied pursuer of 
its game ; and very expert in raising v/oodcocks and 
snipes from their haunts in woods and marshes, through 
which it ranges with amazing perseverance. 

Of the same kind is that beautiful little Dog, which, 
in England, is well known under the appellation of 
Ki?ig Charleses Dog ; the favourite and constant compa- 
nion of that monarch, who was generally attended by 
several of them. — It is still preserved as an idle but inno- 
cent companion. — Its long ears, curled hair, and web- 
feet, evidently point out its alliance with the more useful 
and active kind last mentioned. 

Similar to this, but smaller, is the Pyrame-Dog. — It is 
generally black, with reddish-legs ; and above each eye is 
a spot of the same colour. 

Still farther removed, ^ve ha^ e the Shock-Dog ; a di- 
minutive creature, almost hid in the great quantity of its 
hair, which covers it from head to foot. 



S64^ HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

Another variety is the Lion-Dog -, so called from the 
shaggy hair which covers the head and all the fore part 
of the body; whilst the hinder part is quite smooth, sav- 
ing a tuft of hair at the end of the tail.— This species is 
become extremely rare. 




THE COMFORTER, 

Is a most elegant little animal, and is generally kept by 
the.ladies as an attendant of the toilette or the drawing- 
Fbom. — It is very snappish, ill-natured, and noisy ; and 
does not readily admit the familiarity of strangers. 




HISTORY OF gUADRUPEDS. 3^5 




THE TURNSPIT, 

Is generally long-bodied, has short crooked legs, its tail 
curled upon its back, and is frequently spotted with black 
upon a blue-gray ground. It is peculiar in the colour of 
its eyes ; the same Dog often having the iris of one eye 
black, and the other white. 

It is a bold, vigilant, and spirited little Dog, At pre- 
sent, however, its services seem but little attended to ; 
a more certain method of doing the business of the spit 
having superceded the labours of this industrious animaL 



THE PUG-DOG, 

In outward appearance, is every way formed like the 
Bull- Dog; but much smaller, audits tail is curled upon 
its back. It was formerly very common in many parts 
of England ; hawever, at present, it is rarely to be met 
with. — Altliough it has no longer its admirers here, Mrs. 
Piozzi informs us, that she saw great numbers at Padua, 
in Italy, and that it still maintains its place in the flwour 
of the fair- ones of that country. 

From these, and a mixture of others, proceeds a nunir 



S^6 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

berless variety of Messets, Lap-Dogs, Dancers, Waps, 
Mongrels, and compounds Avithout end. 

That all these, however divided, compose one general 
family, is apparent, from the facility with which they in- 
termix, produce, and re-produce. In all of them the 
same attachment to mankind, the same pliant and hum- 
ble disposition, submitting with patience to the various 
indignities to v, hich they ai'e exposed by their dependent 
situation, is eminently observable. Even those that, by 
accident or neglect, have been abandoned, and become 
wild, when taken home, ai'e easily reclaimed by kindness 
and attention : They quickly become familiar, and conti- 
nue faithfully attached to their masters. — Multitudes of 
these aj-e to be found in South America, which have 
sprung from those taken thither by the Europeans. They 
breed in holes in the gi'ound, are formed somewhat like 
a Greyhound, have erect ears, are very vigilant, and ex- 
cellent in the chase. 

To mention some of the more common instances of 
this creature's sagacity, by way of elucidating its general 
character, may not be amiss ; and amongst these, its care 
in directing the steps of the blind man is not the ieast 
worthy of notice. There ai^e few who have not seen an 
unfortunate object of this description, led by his Dog, 
tlirough the various passages of a populous town, to the 
accustomed place where he sits to supplicate the contri- 
butions of passengers. It may sometimes be seen to stop 
at paii;icular houses, to receive the morsel from the hand 
of charity, or pick from the ground the money tlirown 
out to relieve its miserable OAATxcr. When the day is 
passed, it conducts him home again; and gratefully re- 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 367 

ceives, as the reward of its services, the scanty pittance 
which poverty and wretchedness can bestow. 

Dogs will sometimes imitate the actions of their mas- 
ters, will open a door that is fastened with a latch, or 
pull a bell, where they are desirous of gaining admit- 
tance. — Faber mentions one, belonging to a nobleman of 
the Medici family, which always attended at its master's 
table, took from him his plates and brought him others , 
and if he wanted v/ine, would carry it to him in a glass 
placed upon a silver plate which it held in its mouth, 
without spilling the smallest drop. The same Dog 
would also hold the stirrups in its teeth, while its master 
was mounting his horse. 

That Dogs are capable of mutual attachment, is evi- 
dent, from the well-known story of the Dog at St. Al- 
ban's; which, being left by its master at an inn there till 
he returned from London, and being ill-treated by a large 
Dog belonging to the house, stole privately off. It soon 
returned with a friend, that was much larger and strong- 
er than itself; and both fell upon the aggressor, and pu- 
nished him severely for his cruelty to a stranger. 

There are several peculiarities common to all animals 
of the Dog kind, briefly mentioned by Linnaeus, with 
which we shall conclude its history; the principal of 
which are as follow; — The Dog is carnivorous; its sto- 
mach digests bones; it eats grass for a vomit; voids its 
urine sideways, and commonly where other Dogs Ivdve 
done so before; smells at a stranger; scarcely ever 
sweats, but lolls out his tongue when hot; remembers 
injuries done to it; is subject to the hydrophobia; its 
sense of hearing very quick ; when asleep, is supposed to 
dream ; goes with young sixty-three days, and brings 



368 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

forth from four to eight at one time. It bai'ks at strange 
Dogs, snaps at a stone throA\ai at it, howls at certain mu- 
sical notes; when about to lie down, frequently goes 
round the place; fawns at the approach of its master, 
and will not patiently suffer any one to strike him ; runs 
before him on a journey, often going over the same 
ground; on coming to cross ways, stops, looks back, and 
waits to observe which of them he takes; sits up and 
begs; and, when it has committed a theft, slinks av/ay 
with its tail between its legs; is an enemy to beggars 
and ill-looking people, and attacks them without the least 
provocation; is also said to be sick at the approach of bad 
weather. — We cannot, however, agree w^ith the learned 
naturalist, when he asserts, that the male puppies resem- 
ble the Dog and the female the Bitch ; or that it is a 
character common to the whole species, that the tail al- 
ways bends to the left side. To these we may add, as 
equally void of foundation, a remark of M. Buffon, that 
a female Hound, covered with a Dog of her own kind, 
has been known to produce a mixed race, consisting of 
Hounds and Terriers — We barely mention these to 
shew, that too much caution cannot be used in forming 
general characters or systematic arrangements ; and we 
leave it to the experience of the most inattentive obser- 
ver to detect such palpable absurdities. 




HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



369 




THE HARE. 



(Lepus timidus^ Lin. — Le Lievre, BufF.) 

This harmless and inoffensive animal, destitute of eve- 
ry means of defence, and surrounded on all sides by its 
enemies, would soon be utterly extirpated, if Nature, 
ever kind and provident, had not endowed it with facul- 
ties, by which it is frequently enabled to evade their pur- 
suit. 

Fearful of every danger, and attentive to every alarm, 
the Hare is continually upon the watch; and being pro- 
vided with very long ears, moveable at pleasure, and 
easily directed to every quarter, is warned of the most 
distant approaches of danger. Its eyes are large and pro- 
minent, adapted to receive the rays of light on every side, 
and give notice of more immediate alarms. To these 
may be added its great swiftness, by which it soon leaves 
most of its pursuers far behind.- — The hind are much 
longer than the fore legs, ' and are furnished with strong 

Aa 



370 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

muscles, which give the Hare a singular advantage in 
running up a hill : Sensible of its powers in this re- 
spect, it is always observed to fly towards rising ground 
when first started. 

Thus formed for escape, the Hare might be supposed 
to enjoy a state of tolerable security ; but as every rapa- 
cious creature is its enemy, it is seldom permitted to live 
out its natural term. Dogs and Foxes pursue it by in- 
stinct; Wild- Cats 5 and Weasels of all kinds, catch and 
devour it; birds of prey are still more dangerous ene- 
mies; whilst man, far more powerful than all, makes use 
of every artifice to obtain an animal which constitutes 
one of the numerous delicacies of his table. — If we were 
to enumerate the various stratagems which ingenuity has 
suggested to circumvent this persecuted creature, we 
would willingly omit the notable achievements and gal- 
lant exploits of the chase; which, to a cool and dispas- 
sionate observer, seem to demand a nobler game. 
" Poor is the triumph o'er the timid Hare." 

Another remarkable means of safety to the Hare is its 
colour, which, being similar to the ground where it sits, 
secures it from the sight of its enemies ; and, as a further 
instance of the care of Providence in the preservation of 
its creatures, these, as well as some other animals in 
more northern regions, are observed to change their co- 
lour, and become perfectly white during winter, which 
renders them less conspicuous in the snow. Some rare 
instances occur, of white Haines being met with in Great 
Britain. 

The hare is very prolific, and breeds three or four 
times in the year. The female goes with young thirty 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 371 

days and generally brings forth three or four at a litter. 
The rutting season begins in February. 

During the day, Hares sleep or repose in their seats, 
and seldom remove from them; The night is the season 
when they go about in search of food; and they are sure 
to return to their forms or seats by the same paths which 
they took in leaving them. 

" 'Tis instinct that directs the jealous Hare 
" To chuse her soft abode. With step revers'd, 
** She forms the doubling maze; then, ere the morn 
" Peeps through the clouds, leaps to her close recess." 

The following instances of the sagacity of the Hare in 
endeavouring to escape from its enemies are worthy of 
notice: — Fouilloux says he has seen a Hai'e start from its 
form at the sound of the hunter's horn, run towai'ds a 
pool of water at a considerable distance, plunge itself in, 
and swim to some rushes in the middle, where it lay 
down, and concealed itself from the pursuit of the Dogs. 
He mentions another, which after running two hours 
before the Dogs, pushed a Hare from its seat, and took 
possession of it. Others he has seen run into a sheepfold, 
and lie down among the Sheep ; and some have affected 
their escape by mounting an old wall, and clapping them- 
selves down in the midst of the ivy which co^'ered it. 

The fur of the Hare is of great use in making hats, 
for which purpose many thousands of their skins are an- 
nually imported from Russia. 

The Hare was reckoned a great delicacy among the 
Romans, but was forbidden to the Jc^\ s, and held sa- 
cred among the ancient Britons, who religiously abstain- 
ed from eating it. — We are told, that Boadicea, immcdi- 

A a 2 



37 2 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

ately before her last conflict with the Romans, let loose 
a Hare she had concealed in her bosom; which, taking 
w^hat vvas deemed a fortunate course, was looked upon 
as a good omen. — It is to this day deemed unclean by the 
Mahometans. 

The Hare is found in most parts of the world, w^ith 
very little variety. — Those of North- America are rather 
less than the European. They frequent marshes and 
meadows, and when pursued take refuge in hollow trees. 

THE ALPIJVE HARE, 

Is gi'ay in summer, with a slight mixture of black and 
ta^vny. Its hair is soft, its ears shorter, and its legs 
more slender, than the common Hare's. In winter, the 
whole body changes to a sno^vy whiteness, except the 
tips and edges of the ears, which remain black. 

This animal lives on the highest hills in Scotland, 
Norway, Lapland, Russia, and Siberia; never descends 
from the mountains, nor mixes with the common Hare, 
although they abound in the same parts. — It does not run 
fast; and, when pursued, often takes shelter in clefts of 
rocks. It is easily tamed, is very frolicsome, and fond 
of honey and other sweets. It changes its colour in Sep- 
tember, and resumes its gray coat in April. — Troops of 
five or six hundred are sometimes seen, which migrate 
towards the south in spring, and return in autumn. 

A variety is found in those mountains of Tartary 
which extend as far as the lake Baikal. It inhabits the 
middle regions of the hills, among thick woods, and in 
moist places abounding v/ith grass and herbage. It lives 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



373 



in the crevices of rocks, and sometimes burrows in the 
earth lodged between the clefts. — Its voice is a sharp 

■ whistle, not milike the chirping of a sparrow. 

( In the autumn, great numbers of them assemble to- 
gether, and collect vast quantities of the finest herbs, 
which, when dried, they form into pointed ricks of va- 
rious sizes ; some of them four or five feet in height, and 
of proportionable bulk. These they place under the shel- 
ter of an overhanging rock, or pile round the trunks of 
trees. By this means, these industrious little animals lay 
up a stock of winter food, and wisely provide against the 
rigours of those stormy regions; othenvise, being pre- 
vented by the depth of the snow from quitting their re- 
treats in quest of food, they must all inevitably perish. 







A 



a :) 



574 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




THE RABBIT. 

(Lepus Cuniculusy Lin. — Le Lapln, Buff.) 

No TwiTHSTANDiNG the great similarity between the 
Hare and the Rabbit, nature has placed an inseparable 
bar between them, in not allowing them to intermix, to 
which they mutually discover the most extreme aversion. 
Besides this, there is a wide difference in their habits and 
propensities : The Rabbit lives in holes in the earth, 
where it brings forth its young, and retires from the ap- 
proach of danger; whilst the Hare prefers the open fields, 
and trusts to its speed for safety. 

The fecundity of the Rabbit is truly astonishing. It 
breeds seven times in the yeai', and generally produces 
eight young at a time ; from which it is calculated, that 
one pair may increase, in the course of four years, to the 
amazing number of 1,274,840; so that, if frequent re- 
ductions were not made in various ways, there is reason 
to apprehend they would sooii exceed the means of their 
support, and over-run the face of the countr}^ But as 
their increase is great, so is the number of their enemies; 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 3J3 

for, besides those that are taken for the use of man, great 
numbers are devoured by Foxes, Weasels, Foumarts, and 
other beasts of prey. — ^In Spain, they formerly increased 
to such a degree, as to become so obnoxious, that the in- 
habitants were obliged to procure Ferrets from Africa to 
destroy them. 

The Rabbit is capable of procreating at the age of five 
or six months. The female goes with young about thirty 
days. Previous to her bringing forth, she makes a bed 
with down, which she pulls off her own coat. She never 
leaves her young but when pressed with hunger, and re- 
turns as soon as that is allayed, which she effects with 
surprizing quickness. During the time she tends and 
suckles her young, she carefully conceals them from the 
male, lest he should devour them ; and frequently covers 
up the mouth of the hole, that her retreat may not be 
discovered. 

It lives to the age of eight or nine years, and prefers 
warm and temperate climates. — Pliny and Aristotle men- 
tion it as being anciently known only in Greece and 
Spain: It is now, however, common in various parts of 
Europe ; but in Sweden and other cold countries it can 
only be reared in houses. 

It abounds in Great-Britain, where its skin forms a 
very considerable article in the manufacture of hats.— 
Lincolnshire, Norfolk, and Cambridgeshire, ai'e most no- 
ted for the production of them. 

The flesh of the Rabbit, as w^ell as the Hare, was for- 
bidden to the Jews and Mahometans. 

>fk 

A a 4 



3^6 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




THE DOMESTIC RABBIT, 

Is of various colours — wliite, browii, black, and varie- 
gated. It is somewhat larger than the wild Rabbit ; but 
its flesh is not so good, being softer and more insipid. — 
Its food is generally cabbage leaves, colewort, blades of 
corn, sour- dock, and other succulent plants ; but sweet 
short hay, with a little clean oats, make the best diet. 

The Rabbit of iVngora, like the Goat and Sheep of that 
countr}^, is covered wdth long hair, which falls dowa its 
side in wavy curls, and is of a silky fineness. 

Mr. Pennant describes a remai'kable variety under the 
name of the Hooded Babbit, which has a double skin over 
its back, into which it can withdraw its head : It like- 
wise conceals its fore legs in a part which falls down un- 
der its throat. There axe small holes in this loose skin, 
•\vhich admit light to the eyes. — The colour of the body 
is cinereous; that of the head and ears is brown. 

A manuscript account of this animal, with a drawing 
by Mr. G. Edwards, is preserved in the British Museum. 

The Rabbit is not a native of America. There are 
great numbers of them in many of the West-India 
Islands, whicli have originated from a stock carried thi- 
ther from Europe. 



HISTORY OF gUADRUPEDS. 377 




THE GVINEA-PIG, OR RESTLESS 
CAVr. 

(Mus Porcellus, Lin. — Le Cochon d' Inde, BuiF.) 

This little animal, though a native of Brazil, lives 
and propagates in temperate, and even in cold climates, 
when protected from the inclemency of the seasons. — 
Great numbers are kept in a domestic state, but for vi^hat 
purpose can hardly be determined. They have neither 
beauty nor utility to recommend them ; their skins are 
of little value; and their flesh, though eatable, is far 
from being good. Their habits and dispositions are 
equally unpleasant and disgusting: Void of attachment 
even to their own offspring, they suffer them to be de- 
voured the moment they are brought forth, without mak- 
ing the smallest attenupt to defend them. The males fre- 
quently destroy their own young; and are so stupid, as 
to allow themselves to be killed by Cats without resist- 
ance. They pass their whole lives in sleeping, eating, 
and in the propagation of their species. They are by na- 
ture gentle and tame ; They do no mischief, but seem to 
be equally incapable of good. — Rats ai'e said to avoid the 
places where they reside. 



S7S HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

The Guinea- Pig is considerably less than the Rabbit; 
its upper lip is only half divided; it has two cutting- 
teeth in each jaw; large and broad ears; its hair is of 
different colours, — white, varied with orange and black, 
in irregular patches; it has no tail ; is a restless animal; 
feeds on bread, grain, and vegetables; and makes a noise 
like the grunting of a pig. 

It is capable of breeding at the age of two months, 
and produces from four to twelve at one time. 

The species would be innumerable, if many of them 
were not taken off by various means : Some are killed by 
Cats, others by the males, and more, both young and 
old, perish by the severity of the climate, and want of 
proper care. 




HISTORY OF QUADRU-PEDS, 379 




THE SPOTTED CAVT, 

(Mils Paca, Lin. — Le Paca^ Buff.) 

Is about the size of a Hare, but its body is much thicker^ 
plumper, and fatter. The colour of the hair on the back 
is dark-brown, or liver-coloured; it is lighter on the 
sides, which ai'e beautifully marked with lines of white 
spots, running in parallel directions from its throat to its 
rump ; those on the upper part of the body are perfectly 
distinct; the belly is white. Its head is large; its ^ars 
short and naked; its eyes full, and placed high in Jts 
head, near the ears; in the lower part of each jaw, im- 
mediately under the eye, it has a remarkably deep slit or 
furrow, which seems like the termination of the jaw, 
and has the appearance of an opening of the mouth ; its 
upper jaw projects beyond the under; it has two strong- 
yellow cutting-teeth in each jaw; its mouth is small, and 
its upper lip is divided; it has long whiskers on its lips» 
and on each side of its head, under the ears; its legs arc 
short; it has four toes on the fore and three on the 
hind foot; it has no tail. 



S80 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

The Spotted Cavy is a native of South- Am erica, and 
lives on the banks of rivers in warm and moist places. 
It digs boles in the ground, secretes itself during the day^ 
and goes out at night in quest of food. 

Its motions are heavy and ungraceful. It runs seldom 
and with extreme aukwardness ; sits frequently upon its 
posteriors ; and, in that situation, smooth and dresses it- 
self with its paws, drawing them over its body with the 
utmost nicety. 

It is a cleanly animal, and will not bear the smallest 
degree of dirtiness in its apartment. 

In a domestic state, it is gentle and tractable, fond of 
attention, and licks the hand of any one that caresses it. 
When irritated, it is apt to bite. Its anger is expressed 
b}^ chattering its teeth, and is always preceded by a kind 
of grunting. It feeds on grain, roots, fruits, and al- 
most every kind of a egetable. 

When pursued, it takes to the Water, and escapes by 
diving. If attacked by dogs, it makes a vigorous de- 
fence. 

Its flesh is esteemed a great delicacy by the natives of 
Brazil. 

We have been minute in our description of this curi- 
ous little animal, which was drawn from the life; and 
think there is good reason to conclude that the species 
might be easily naturalised in this countrj^ and added to 
our stock of useful animals. It is not much afraid of 
cold ; and being accustomed to burrow, it would by that 
means defend itself against the rigours of our winter. 

There are several varieties of them ; some of which 
weigh from fourteen to twenty, and even thirty pounds. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS; 38 1 




THE CAP I BAR A, 

(Sus Ilydroduerus^ Lin. — Le Cabiai, Buff*.) 

Is a native of South- America, and lives on the banks of 
great rivers, such as the Oronoque, Amazons, and Rio 
de la Plata; swims and dives remarkably well, and is ve- 
ry dexterous in catching fish, upon which it chiefly sub- 
sists : It likewise eats grain, fruits, and sugar canes, feeds 
mostly in the night, and commits great ravages in the 
gardens. — They generally keep in large herds, and make 
a noise not much unlike the braying of an ass. 

Its flesh is fat and tender; but, like that of the Otter, 
has an oily and fishy taste. 

It is about the size of a small Hog; and, by some na- 
turalists, has been classed with that animal. 

Its fore hoofs are divided into four, the hind ones into 
three; its head is lai^ge and thick, and on the nose there 
are long whiskers ; its ears are small and rounded, and its 
eyes large and black ; there aix two large cutting teeth 
and eight grinders in each jaw, and each of these grind- 
ers forms on its surface what appears to be three teeth, 
fiat at their ends; the legs ai'e short; the toes long, and 



382 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

connected at the bottom with a small web ; the end of 
each toe is guarded by a small hoof; it has no tail; the 
hair on the body is short, rough, and of a bro^vn colour. 

It is a gentle animal, easily tamed and will follow those 
who feed it and treat it kindly. 

As it runs badly, on account of the peculiar construc- 
tion of its feet, its safety consists not in flight : Nature 
has provided it with other means of preservation : When 
in danger, it plunges into the water, and dives to a great 
distance. 




THE AGOUTI, OR LOJfG-MOSED CAVT, 

(Cavia Agutiy hin.—U Jgouii, Buff.) 

Is about the size of a Hai-e; its nose is long, upper lip 
divided, skin sleek and shining, of a brown colour mixed 
with red, tail short, legs slender and almost naked; has 
four toes on the fore, and three on the hind foot; grunts 
like a pig; sits on its hind legs, and feeds itself with its 
paws ; and when satiated with food, it conceals the re- 
mainder. — —It eats fruits, roots, nuts, and almost every 
kind of vegetable; is hunted with Dogs; runs fast, and 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 383 

its motions are like those of a Hare. Its flesh, which 

resembles that of a Rabbit, is eaten by the inhabitants of 
South- America. 

Great numbers of them are found in Guinea and Bra- 
zil. They live in woods, hedges, and hollow trees. 

The female brings forth at all times of the year, and 
produces three, four, and sometimes five at a time. 

If taken when young, the Agouti is easily tamed, and 

will go out and return of its own accord. It delights 

in cutting or gnawing every thing with its teeth. 

When irritated, the hair of its back rises, it strikes the 
ground with its hind feet, and at the same time makes a 
noise like the grunting of a Pig, 




THE JKOUCHI, 

Seems to be a variety of the Agouti ; and, though some- 
what less, is nearly of the same form, but its tail is 
longer. It inhabits the same countries, is of an olive co- 
lour; its flesh is white, delicate, and has the flavour of a 
young Rabbit; is much esteemed by the natives, who 
hunt it with Dogs, and reckon it among the finest game 
of South- America. 



384 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS* 



THE ROCK CAVr, 

(DAperea, Buff.) 

Is likewise found in Brazil, is about twelve inches in 
length : the colour of the upper part of its body resembles 
that of the Hare, its belly is white, the upper lip divided, 
the ears short and rounded like those of a Rat, and has 
no tail. It moves like the Hare, its fore legs being short- 
er than the hind. It has four toes on the fore feet, and 
only three on the hind. Its flesh is like that of the Rab- 
bit; and its manner of living is also very similar. 




HISTORY OF OUADR UPEDS. 3^5 




THE SQUIRREL.. 
(Schinis Vulgaris, \um,—DEcureuil, Buff.) 

This beautiful little animal is .equally admirable for 
the neatness and elegance of its formation, as for its live^ 
liness and activity. — Its disposition is gentle and harm- 
less, — Though naturally wild, it is soon familiai'ised to 
confinement and restraint; and, though excessively ti^ 
mid, it is easily taught to receive with freedom the most 
familiar caresses from the hand that feeds it. 

It usually lives in woods, and makes its nest of moss 
or dry leaves in the hollows of trees. — It seldom descends 
upon the ground, but leaps from tree to tree with great 
agility. 

Its food consists of fruits, almonds, nuts, acorns, &c.; 
of which it accumulates great stores for winter provi- 
sion, and secures them carefully near its nest. In the 
summer it feeds on buds and young shoots, and is par- 
ticularly fond of the cones of the fi.r and pine trees. 

Bb 



386 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

The spring is the season of love with Squirrels. At 
that time the males pursue the females, and exhibit won-^ 
derful proofs of agility ; whilst the latter, as if to make 
trial of the constancy of their lovers, seem to avoid them 
by a variety of entertaining sallies; and, like true co- 
quets, feign an escape, by way of enhancing the. value of 
the conquest.— They bring forth four or five young at a 
time. 

The Squirrel is of a bright-brown colour, inclining to 
red; the breast and belly are white; the ears are orna- 
mented with long tufts of hair; the eyes are large, black, 
and lively ; the fore teeth strong and sharp ; the fore legs 
are curiously furnished with long stiff hairs, which pro- 
ject on each side like whiskers. When it eats, it sits 

erect, and uses its fore feet as hands to convey food to 
its mouth. 

The tail of the Squirrel is its greatest ornament^ and 
serves as a defence from the cold, being large enough to 
cover the whole body ; it likewise assists it in taking leaps 
from one tree to another; and we may add a third appli- 
cation of it, which would seem altogether improbable, 
were we not assured of it by Linnaeus and other natural- 
ists: — -In attempting to cross a lake or river, the Squirrel 
places itself upon a piece of bark ; and, erecting its tail 
to catch the wind, boldly commits itself to the mercy of 
the waves. The smallest gust of wind is sufficient to 
overset a whole navy of these little adventurers ; and in 
such perilous voyages many hundreds of them are said to 
perish. 

Of the Squirrel there are several varieties; some of 
which are to be found in almost every country ; but they 
chiefly abound in northern and temperate climates. 



HISTORY OF gUADRUPEDS, 



S§7 







THE GRAT SQUIRREL, 

(Schinis Cmereiis, Lin. — Le Petit Gri's, BufF.) 

Is about the size of a young Rabbit : Its ears are shorty 
and not tufted at the ends; its hair is gray, mixed With 
black; on each side there is a red streak, which runs 
lengthwise ; its tail is long and bushy, of a gray colour, 

variegated with black and white. It is common to 

both continents, — In Sweden and other northern coun- 
tries, it changes its colour in the winter. 

It is very numerous in North- America, and does incre- 
dible damage to the plantations. Great flocks of them 
descend from the mountains, and lay waste the fields of 
maize, by eating the young ears. — A rewai'd of three- 
pence per head was given for every one that was killed; 

B b 2 



388 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

and such numbers were destroyed in one year, that Pen- 
sylvania alone paid in rewards the sum of j£8000 of its 
currency. 

It makes its nest in hollow trees, with moss, straw, 
wool, &c. — It lays up stores of provisions in holes made 
in the ground, for its winter sustenance. These hoards 
are often destroyed by swine ; they are sometimes so long 
covered with snow, that the Squirrels perish for want of 
food. 

The fur is very valuable, and is imported under the 
name of petit-gris. 

THE BLACK SQUIRREL, 

(Sciunis Niger, lAn, — DEcureuil noir. Buff.) 

Is about the same size and form with the last ; but its 
tail is not so long. It is generally black, with white on 
the nose, ears, and end of the tail. 

Its dispositions and habits are so similar to the Gray 
Squirrel, that it might be taken for a variety of that 
kind; but it is said to associate in separate troops, and is 
equally numerous. 

It is found in the northern parts of Asia, North- Ame- 
rica, and Mexico, 

In the latter country, there is a variety with plain 
round ears, the upper part of the body variegated with 
black, white, and brown. It is twice the size of the 
common Squirrel, lives under ground, where it brings 
forth its youn^, and lays in its stock of provisions. It 
feeds on maize, and is extremely lively, gentle, and do- 
cile. — ^It is the Coquallin of M<, BufFon. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 389 







THE DORMOUSE, OR GROUND 

SQUIRREL, 

(Sciurus Striatus, Lin. — Le Suisse, BufF.) 

Is very numerou s in the forests of North- America, as 
well as the north of Asia — It burrows in the ground, 
and makes two entrances to its habitation ; that if one 
should be stopped up, it may have access by the other. 
Its hole is formed with great skill, having several branch- 
es from the principal passage, each of which is termi- 
nated by a store-house, in which its winter food is depo- 
sited: In one is contained acorns, in another nuts, in a 
third maize, and in another chesnuts, which are its fa- 
vourite food. 

These animals seldom stir out during winter, nor so 
long as their provisions last : When those fail, they some- 
times work their way into places where apples ai'e laid 
up, or in barns where maize is stored, and make great 
havock. During hai-vest, they fill their mouths so full 
with corn, that their cheeks are quite distended; and in 
this manner caiiy it to their concealed store. They gi\e 

Bb3 



S90 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

great preference to certain kinds of food ; and if, after 
filling their mouths with rye, they chance to meet with 
wheat, they discharge the one, that they may secure the 
other. 

The Ground Squirrel is marked with a stripe of black, 
which runs along the ridge of the back ; and on each side 
a yellow stripe, bordered with black ; Its head, body, and 
tail are of a reddish-brown ; breast and belly white ; its 
nose and feet of a pale red colour ; its eyes full and live- 

ly- 

It is very wild, bites severely, and is tamed with diffi- 
culty «— Its skin is of little value, 

THE HUDSOM's-BAT SQUIRREL, 

Is smaller than the European. It is marked along the 
^liddle of the back with a dusky line, from head to tail ; 
the belly is of a pale ash colour, mottled with black ; and 
the tail, which is dusky and barred with black, is not so 
long, nor so full of hair, as that of the common kind. 




HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



391 




THE BARB ART SQUIRREL, 

(Sciurus'Getulus Lin. — Le Barbaresque, Buff.) 

Is of an ash colour, inclining to red ; each side is beau- 
tifully marked with two white stripes, running length- 
wise ; its belly is white ; its tail bushy, and variegated 
with regular shades of black, one beneath the other; its 
eyes are full and black, with white orbits. — It is about 
the size of the common Squirrel. 



THE PALM SQUIRREL, 

(Sciurus Palmanim, Lin. — Le Palmist€y Buff.) 

Is similar to the last, having a pale -yellow stripe on the 
middle of the back, and two on each side parallel to it ; 
the belly is of the same colour ; the rest of the body 
black and red closely mixed : Its tail is long, does not He 

Bb4 



392 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

on its back like that of the Squirrel, but is carried erect. 
— ^Both these Squirrels inhabit Barbary and other hot 
countries. — They live chiefly in palm trees, from whence 
tlie latter has its name. 

THE FAT SQUIRREL y 

(Sciurus Glis, Lin.— Z^ Loir, Buff. ) 

is found in France and the southern parts of Europe.-— 
Its body is covered with soft hair, of an ash colour ; its 
belly whitish ; its ears thin and naked. It is about six 
inches long, and thicker than the common Squirrel. It 
dwells chiefly in trees, leaps from bough to bough, feeds 
on fruits and acorns, and lodges in the hollows of trees. 
It remains in a torpid state during winter, and grows ve- 
ry fat. 

It was considered as a great delicacy among the Ro- 
mans, who had places constructed on purpose to keep 
and feed them in, which they called gliraria. 

THE GREATER BORMOUSE, OR 

GARDEN SQUIRREL, 

(Mus Quercinus, Lin. — Le Leroi, BuiF.) 

Is rather less than the last-mentioned. Its eyes are sur- 
rounded with a large black spot, which reaches to the 
ears ; its body is of a tawny colour ; its throat and belly 
white, tinged with yellow ; its tail is long, and bushy at 
the end. 

It is common in the South of Europe, infests gardens, 
is particularly fond of peaches, and very destructive of all 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 393 

kinds of fruit. It lodges in holes in the walls, and 

brings forth five or six young at a time. 

It has a strong odour, like a Rat ; and, like the Fat 
Squirrel, remains torpid during the winter. 




TliE LESSER DORMOUSE, 

(Mus Avellanarius, Lin. — Le Muscardin, BuK) 

Is rather larger than the Mouse, of a tawny-red colour, 

with a white throat, and full black eyes. It lives in 

woods or thick hedges ; makes its nest with grass, dried 
leaves, or moss, in the hollow of a tree, or the bottom 
of a thick bush, and brings forth three or four young at 
a time. 

It lays up stores of nuts, acorns and beans ; and re- 
tires at the approach of cold weather to its retreat ; 
where it rolls itself up in a warm nest, made of soft 
moss, &c. and remains in a torpid state during the con- 
tinuance of winter. The warmth of a sunny day, or a 
temporary chance from cold to heat, will sometimes re- 
vive it ; but, after taking a little food, it soon relapses in- 
to its former state. 



39^ 



HISTORY QF QUADRUPEDS. 




THE FLTIMG SQUIRREL, 



(Sciiirus Volans, Lin. — Le Poiilatouche, BufF.) 

Is peculiarly distinguished by a membranous continua- 
tion of the skin of the sides and belly, which extends 
from the fore to the hiild feet, and assists it greatly in 
making leaps from one tree to another, frequently at the 
distance of twenty or thirty yards. Its head is small and 
round ; its eyes are full, round, and black ; and its ears 
small and naked. 

It is found in all the northern regions, both of the old 
and new continents. It is more numerous in America 
than in Europe, is less than the common Squirrel, lives 
in trees, and sleeps in the day, but is extremely active 
during the night. 

In the act of leaping, the loose skin is stretched out by 
the feet ; whereby the surface of the body is augmented, 
the animal becomes lighter in proportion to its bulk, the 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. S95 

acceleration of its fall is retarded, and it appears to sail 
or fly from one place to another. Where numbers of 
them are seen at a time leaping, they appear like leaves 
blown off by the wind. 

There are several kinds, differing much in size.- In 

the islands of the East- Indies, there is a variety as large 
as a Hare, called the Taguan, or Great Flying 
Squirrel ; w^hich perfectly resembles the other in fi- 
gure, and in the form of its lateral membrane. The 
head is smaller in proportion to the size of the body ; the 
colour of the skin is dark-brown, mixed with white ; the 
upper part of the body whitish ; the tail is bro^vn, and 
grows gradually deeper towards the end, where it is 
black ; the claws are long, thin, and hooked, like those 
of a Cat, and enable it to keep hold where it happens to 
fall ; it also catches hold with its tail, which is long and 
muscular. 

It is a wild and timid animal. — Its bite is so strong, 
that it can make its escape from a wooden cage with 
great facility. 

A variety is found inVirginia, called, by Mr. Pennant, 
the Hooded Sc^uirrel ; the lateral membrane begins 
at the chin and ears, where it forms a kind of hood, 
and extends, like that of the former, from the fore to 
the hind legs : Its body is of a reddish colour above, 
and of a yellowish ash beneath. — It is a rare species, not 
much noticed by naturalists. 



396 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 




"^Vu'fftSsfiWi 



THE LONG TAILED SQUIRREL, 

This species is found in Ceylon and Malabar. — In the 
Cingalese tx)ngue, it is called Dandoelana y and, from the 
noise it makes, Roekea, 

It is about three times the size of the European Squir- 
rel ; The ears are tufted with black hairs ; the end of the 
nose is pink-coloured ; the cheeks, legs, and belly are of 
a dull yellow ; between the ears there is a yellow spot ; the 
crown of the head and the back are black ; from each ear 
is a bifurcated line of the same colour, pointing down 
the cheeks ; the upper part of the feet is covered with 
black hairs, the lower part naked and red ; The tail is 
neai^ly twice the length of the body, of a light ash colour, 
and extremely bushy. 

We are indebted to Mr. Pennant for the drawing of 
this curious animaK 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 



S97 



.^^' 








THE JERBOA, 



(Mus JaculuSy Lin. — Le Jerho, Buff.) 

This animal, remarkable for the singular construction 
of its legs, is found in Egypt, Barbary, and Palestine.—- 
It is somewhat less than a Rat : Its head has a great re- 
semblance to that of a Rabbit ; its eyes are large and 
full ; ih!t fore legs are only one inch in length, and ai'C 
used as hands to convey victuals to its mouth ; the hind 
legs are naked, and y^ry much resemble those of a bird, 
having only three toes on each, the middle one longest ; 
its tail is much longer than its body, and terminated with 
a black tuft, the tip of which is white ; its hair is long 
and soft, of a reddish colour on the back ; the under 
parts of the body are white ; across the thighs there is a 
large black band in the form of a crescent. 

The motions of the Jerboa are similar to those of the 



398 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

Kanguroo. It goes forward very nimbly on its hind feet, 
taking leaps of five or six feet from the ground. 

It is a lively, harmless animal, lives entirely on vegeta- 
bles, and burrows in the ground like a Rabbit. 

It is the Daman Zsrae/ of the Arabs, or Laynh of Israel ; 
and is supposed to be the Coney of holy ^Tit, our Rabbit 
being unknown in Palestine. It is also the Mouse men- 
tioned in Isaiah* ; Achbar^ in the original, signifying a 
Jerboa, t 

The Jerboa is easily tamed, is fond of warmth, and 
seems to be sensible of the approach of bad weather by 
•wrapping itself up close in hay. 

Among the Mongol Tartars, this animal is called the 
Alaghtaga. — It is supposed to be the Two-footed Mouse^ 
and the Egyptian Mouse of the ancients, which were said 
to walk on their hind legs. 

It makes its nest of the finest and most delicate her- 
bage ; rolls itself up, with its head between its thighs ; 
and sleeps during the winter, without taking any nutri- 
ment. 

When pursued, it springs so nimbly, that its feet 
scarcely seem to touch the ground. It does not go 
straight forward, but turns here and there till it gains a 
buiTow, w^here it quickly secretes itself. = — In leaping, it 
carries its tail stretched out ; but in standing or walking, 
carries it in the form of an S, the lower part touching 
the ground. 

* Chap. Ixvi. ver. 17. 

t The Jerboa or Dipus is frequent in North America. General 
Davis has described it as found in Lower Canada; Professor Barton 
has given a figure and description of it as seen in Pennsylvania^ and 
A. E. Mitchell has observed it, as killed by the Farmers of Long- 
Island, 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 399 




THE MARMOT, 

(Mus Marmota, Lin. — La Marmotte, Buff.) 

Has been placed by naturalists in the same class with the 
Hare and the Rat ; and on examining its parts, we find 
a partial agreement with both these animals. In its nose 
and lips, as well as in the general form of its head, it 
resembles the Hare ; its ears are like those of the Rat, 
with which it likewise agrees in the number and form 
of its teeth and claws ; In other respects, it is no way 
similar to either of those kinds ; and is still farther sepa- 
rated from them by habitudes which seem peculiar to it- 
self, and distinguish it from almost every other species of 
quadrupeds. 

The Marmot inhabits the highest regions of the Alps ; 
and is likewise found in Poland, Ukraine, and Chinese 
Tartary. 

It is somewhat less than a Hare ; Its ears are round, 
and so short, that they are almost hid in the fur ; its tail 
is short and bushy ; the hair on the back is of a brown - 
ish-ash colour ; and that on the belly reddish, soft, and 
bushy. Its voice resembles the murmuring of a young 



400 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

puppy. When irritated, or frightened, it makes a whist- 
ling noise, very loud and piercing. 

It feeds on insects, roots, and vegetables ; but when 
tamed, is remarkably fond of milk and butter. — It lives 
in holes, formed with great art in the side of a motin- 
tain. There are two entrances to each ; and the cham- 
ber to which they lead is deep and spacious : The bottom 
is lined with moss and hay, of which these provident ani- 
mals lay in a store during summer ; and, at the approach 
of winter, shut themselves up in their holes by stopping 
the entrances ^vith earth, so effectually, that no discovery 
can be made of the place of their retreat. The chamber 
in which they lodge is large enough to contain a family 
of from live to a dozen Marmots. They roll themselves 
up ; and, being well covered with hay, remain in a torpid 
state, insensible to the rigours of the season, and perfect- 
ly secure from the storm that rages without ; till the 
cheering influence of the sun again calls them out to re- 
new their exhausted strength, to propagate their kind, 
and provide for their future retreat. The torpid state 
lasts from about Michaelmas till April. They go in ex- 
tremely fat, but gradually waste ; and at the end of their 
long sleep, they appear lean and extremely emaciated. 

The Marmot produces once a year, and the litter ge- 
iierally consists of three or four. 

When a number of them are feeding together, they 
place one as a centinel, v\^hich makes a whistling noise on 
the least appearance of an interruption ; and the party im- 
mediately betake themselves to their holes, the centinel 
driving up the rear. 

The Marmot is very playful, and easily tamed. It 
learns to hold a stick, to dance, and to exhibit various 



HISTORY OF (QUADRUPEDS. 4OI 

gestures : It will obey the voice of its master. Like the 
Cat, it has an antipathy to Dogs, which it attacks fierce- 
ly upon the least irritation. It is very apt to gnaw linen 
or woollen stuffs, often sits upright, and walks with ease 
on its hind feet. — It eats in the manner of a Scjuirrel, 
and carries its food to its mouth with its fore paws. 

Its flesh is sometimes eaten, but is always attended 
with a disagreeable odour. 




402 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




7'C':'y/'y''V//m/m'r'ii 



THE MOMAX, 

(Mus Monax, Lin. — Glis Marmota^ Buflf.) 

Is found in various parts of North- America, and seems 
to be the same with the Marmot of Canada, described by 
M. Buffon. 

It is larger than a Rabbit, and in form and colour re- 
sembles the Musk-Rat ; Its tail is short and rough ; its 
ribs so flexible, that it can easily pass through a hole of 
not more than two inches diameter ; its eyes are black 
and prominent ; its back is of a deep brown colour, 
lighter on the sides and belly ; and its feet ^nd legs 
black. 

It sleeps during winter in holes under the roots of 

trees, and lives on fruits and other vegetables. Its 

flesh is good and well tasted. 

An animal of the same kind is found in the Bahama 
isles ; but whether it retires to sleep, in a climate, so mild, 
is not well known. 



HISTORY OF (QUADRUPEDS, 



403 




THE QUEBEC MARMOT, 

Is rather larger than a Rabbit : Its ears are short, and its 
whole head round ; its cheeks are of a grey colour, and 
its nose black ; its back is variegated, each hair being 
gray at the bottom, black in the middle, and white at the 
tips ; its belly and legs are of an orange colour ; its toes 
black and naked ; and its tail short, and rather bushy. — * 
It inhabits Hudson's Bay and Canada. 

One of them, exhibited in London some years ago, 
was perfectly tame. 

Mr. Pennant supposes it to be the species called the 
Si FFL EUR by the French of Canada. 




Cc2 



404 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 







THE HAMSTER. 
(Mus CrketiiSi Lin. — Le Hamster^ Buff.) 

Although the qualities of this animal are sufficiently- 
noxious to render it an object of universal detestation in 
those countries where it abounds ; yetj when considered 
with regard to those instincts which conduce to its own 
preservation and support, it wxU deserves our highest ad- 
miration. 

Its habitation is curious, and constructed with great 
art. It consists of a variety of apartments, adapted to 
various purposes, and extremely well fitted both for the 
comfort and convenience of the inhabitants. The first 
entrance is formed in an oblique direction ; at the end of 
which the miale sinks a perpendicular hole, which he re- 
serves for his own use. The female makes several, for 
the accommodation of herself and family, that her young, 
during the short time they are allowed to stay with her, 
may have a free passage to the general stores. One of 
the holes is lined with straw, and serves as a lodging ; 
the others contain provisions, ofvvhich great quantities 
are always accumulated during the time of harvest.— 
They begin to lay in their stores in August.^ To facili- 
tate the transportation of their food, Nature has furnish- 
ed them with two paunches in each cheek, which they fill 
with corn, beans, or pease^ till they seem ready to burst; 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS; 405 

and, on their return to their holes, empty them, by pres- 
sing their two fore feet against their cheeks.— The quan- 
tity of provision found in these magazines, depends on 
the age or sex of the inhabitants. The old Hamsters 
often amass an hundred pounds weight of grain ; but the 
young and the females are satisfied with much lesso 

At the approach of winter, the Hamsters retire into 
their subterraneous abodes, the entrance to which they 
shut up with great care : There they remain in perfect 
tranquillity, and feed on their provisions till the frost 
becomes severe, when they sink into a torpid state, in 
which they continue till the return of spring. During 
this period, if any of the holes be opened, the Hamster is 
aUvays found lying upon a bed of soft straw, with its 
head turned under its belly between the two fore legs, 
whilst the hind ones rest upon the muzzle : Its eyes are 
shut, every member perfectly stiff, and sensation so to- 
tally suspended, that neither respiration nor any other 
sign of life can be perceived. When dissected in this 
situation, the heart may be seen alternately contracting 
and dilating very slowly ; the fat appears to be coagu- 
lated ; and the intestines are quite cold. During this 
operation, the animal seems to feel very little : It some- 
times opens its mouth, as if it wanted to respire ; but 
the lethargy is too strong to admit of its entirely awak- 
ing. 

They copulate about the end of April, when the 
males enter the apartments of the femciles, but remain 
only a few days. — if two males happen to meet in the 
same hole, a furious combat ensues, which genenilly ter- 
minates in the death of the weaker, 

C c3 



406 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

The females bring forth twice or thrice every year ; 
each litter consisting of six or eight.— In about three 
weeks the young are driven from their holes, and left 
to provide for themselves. — —Their increase is so rapid 
in some years, as to he almost sufficient to occasion a 
dearth ; but the ferocity with which they upon all occa- 
sions attack and devour each other, is so great, as to be 
the happy means of preventing the ill effects of their fe^ 
cundity. 

It is not only its own species to which the fury of the 
Hamster is directed : He attacks and devours every ani- 
mal, without distinction, that he is able to conquer ; and 
frequently opposes himself to enemies much superior to 
himself in strength. Rather than fly, he allows himself 
to be beaten to death. If he seize a man's hand, he 
must be killed before he can be made to quit his hold. 
A Horse or a Dog are equally objects of his rage ; and 
v/herever he seizes, it is with difficulty he can be disen- 
gaged. 

The Hamster is about the size of a large Water-^Rat ; 
has a short tail, almost naked : Its head and back are of 
a reddish-brown colour, not unlike that of a Hare ; its 
throat is white, and it has three white spots on each 
side ; its breast and belly are black. 

It is found in various parts of Germany, Poland, and 
Ukraine. 

The Polecat is its greatest eneray» It pursues the 
Hamster into its hole, and destroys great numbers. 

Mr. Ray observes, that the hair of this animal is so 
closely united to the skin, that it cannot be pulled off 
without great difficulty ; on which account it is held in 
high estimation 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 407 




THE SOVSLIK, 

(MusCitelluSy Lin. — Le Soiislik, BufF.) 

Is about the size of a large Rat. Its skin is beautifully 
marked with small white spots upon a yellowish ground. 
It is found upon the banks of the Wolga, and in the 
adjoining provinces as far as Austria. — It burrows in the 
ground like a Rabbit, and lays in store of provisions, con- 
sisting of grain, herbs, and roots : It also feeds on young 
Mice, IS very fond of salt, and is frequently taken on 
board the barges laden with that commodity. The fe- 
male brings forth from two to five at one time. 

THE ZISEL, OR EARLESS MARMOT, 

(Le ZizcU BufF.) 

Instead of ears, has only a smaU orifice on each side of 
its head. It is of a dark- gray colour. Its body is long 
and slender, and its tail short. 

It is found in Bohemia, Austria, Hungary, and Sibe- 
ria. — It forms its hole in the ground, with a double en- 
trance ; and sleeps during the winter in the centre of its 

'Cc 4 



408 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

lodge. — It lays in a store of corn, nuts, See. ; and sits up 
like a Squirrel when it eats. — It is easily provoked, and 
bites haid. 

Its fur is of little value ; but its flesh is reckoned good 
eating. 

In Poland and Russia, there is an animal of this kind, 
called the Zemni : and, by Mr. Pennant, the Podulian 
Marmot, 

Its habits are similar to those of the Souslik ; but it is 
larger, stronger, and more mischievous. 

The head is thick, the body slender, and the ears short 
and round : It has two cutting teeth in each jaw ; those 
of the under jaw are much longer than the upper : The 
eyes are small, and concealed in the fur like those of the 
Mole : Its tail is short, and of an ash colour. 




• THE TAIL-LESS MARMOT. 

We art favoured by Mr. Pennant with the drawing of 
this animal, Vidiich has hitherto been undescribed. — In 
the form of its body, it seems to agree with the descrip- 
tion given of the Zizel, and probably may be a variety of 
that animal. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 4O9. 



THE LAPLAJSTD MARMOT, 

(Mils Lemmus^ Lin. — he Lemrng, Buff.) 

This wonderful little animal is found only in the nor- 
thern parts of Europe and Asia; and is sometimes seen 
in immense numbers, overspreading large tracts of coun- 
try, in Norway, Sweden, and Lapland. But as its ap- 
pearance is at very uncertain periods, and the source 
from whence it is derived has not been hitherto explored 
by any naturalist, its existence has been seriously attri- 
buted, by superstitious ignorance, to the generation of 
the clouds; from whence, it has been supposed, it was 

poured down in showers of rain. -Myriads of them 

march together; and, like a torrent, which nothing can 
resist, their course is marked with ruin and desolation. 
Neither fire nor water prevents their progress. They go 
straight forward, in regular lines, about three feet asun- 
der, and generally in a south-east direction : They swim 
across lakes and rivers : No opposition impedes them. If 
thousands are destroyed, thousands supply their places : 
The void is quickly filled up ; and their number does not 
appear diminished. They persist in their course, in spite 
of every obstacle; and if prevented from proceeding, 
they either by assiduity surmount it, or die in tl^e at- 
tempt. Their march is mostly in the night. They rest 



41 HISTORY OF ^UADHUPEDS. 

during the day, and devour everj^ root and vegetable they 
meet with. They infect the very herbage; and cattle 
are said to perish that feed upon the grass they have 
touched. 

An enemy, so numerous and destructive, would soon 
render the countries they pass through utterly uninhabit- 
able, did it not fortunately happen, that the same rapa- 
city that excites them to lay waste the productions of the 
earth at last impels them to destroy each other. — Having 
nothing more to subsist on, they are said to seperate into 
two ai'mies, which engage with the most deadly hatred, 
and continue fighting and devouring each other till they 
are all entirely destroyed. Thousands of them have been 
found dead; and the air, infected by their putrid car- 
cases, has sometimes been the occasion of malignant dis- 
tempers. Great numbers of them ai^e likewise destroyed 
by Foxes, Lynxes, Weasels, and other beasts of prey, 
which follow them during their march. 

The Leming runs swiftly, although its legs are short 
and slender.-— It is somewhat less than the Rat : Its head 
is pointed; and in each jaw are two very long cutting 
teeth, with which it bites keenly : Its ears are short, eyes 
small, fore legs shorter than the hind: The colour of the 
head and body black and tawny, disposed in irregular 
patches ; the belly white, tinged with yellow. 

Though perfectly disgusting to every other people, its 
flesh is said to be eaten by the Laplanders. 

Where these emigrants are collected, as was before 
observed, is not certainly known. Linnaeus says, they 
are produced among the Norwegian and Lapland Alps ; 
and Pontoppidan supposes, that Kolen's Rock, which di- 
vides Nordland from Sweden, is their native place. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 411 




THE RAT. 
(Mus Rattus, Lin.— Z^ Rat, BuiF.) 

Though small, weak, and contemptible in its appear- 
ance, possesses properties which render it a more formi- 
dable enemy to mankind, and more injurious to the in- 
terests of society, than even those animals that are endued 
with the greatest strength and most rapacious dispositions. 
To the one we can oppose united powers and superior 
arts ; with regard to the other, experience has convinced 
us, that no art can counteract the effects of its amazing 
fecundity, and that force is ineftectually opposed to an 
enemy possessed of such a variety of means to elude it. 

There are two kinds known in this country, — the 
Black Rat, which was formerly universal here, but is 
now very rarely seen, having been almost extirpated by 
the large brown kind, generally distinguished by the 
name of the Norway Rat. — This formidable invader 
is now universally diffused through the whole countr}^ ; 
from whence every method has been tried in vain to ex- 
terminate it. — It is about nine inches long; of a light- 
brown colour, mixed with tawny and asli ; the throat 
and belly are of a dirty \^'liite, inclining to gray ; its feet 



41 S HISTORY OF OUADRUPEDS. 

are naked, and of a pale fiesh colour; the tail is as lo»g 
as the body, covered with minute dusky scales, thinly in- 
terspersed with ohort uairs. 

In summer, it frequents the banks of rivers, ponds, 
and ditches; where it lives on frogs, fishes, and small 
animals. But its rapacity is not confined entirely to 
these: It destroys rabbits, poultry, young pigeons, &c. : 
It infests the granary, the barn, and the storehouse ; does 
infinite mischief among corn and fruit of all kinds; and 
not content vvith satisfying its hunger, frequently carries 
ofi* large quantities to its hiding-place. 

It is a bold fierce little animal; and, when closely 
pursued, will turn and fasten on its assailant. — Its bite is 
keen, and the wound it inflicts is painful, and difficult 
to heal, owing to the form of its teeth, which are long, 
sharp, and of an irregular form. 

The Rat is amazingly prolific, usually producing from 
twelve to eighteen at one time. Their numbers would 
soon increase beyond all power of restraint, were it not 
for an insatiable appetite, that impels them to destroy 
and devour each other. The weaker always fall a prey 
to the stronger ; and the large male Rat, which usually 
lives by itself, is dreaded by those of its own species as 
their most formidable enemy. 

It is a singular fact in the history of these animals, 
that the skins of such of them as have been devoured in 
their holes have frequently been found, curiously turned 
inside out ; every part being completely inverted, even 
to the ends of the toes. How the operation is performed, 
it would be difficult to ascertain ; but it appears to be ef- 
fected in some peculiar mode of eating out the contents* 

Besides the numbers that perish in these unnatural con- 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 41 3 

flicts, they have many fierce and inveterate enemies, that 
take every occasion to destroy them. Several kinds of 
Dogs pursue them with great alacrity, and eagerly kill 
them, though they invariably refuse to eat their fiesh : 
The Cat is also a very formidable enemy, but generall}" 
finds greater difficulty in the contest : The Rat makes a 
vigorous re istance, and sometimes effects its escape :— 
The Weasel is the most determined enemy of the Rat 
kind ; it hunts them with unceasing avidity, pursues 
them into their holes, where it soon kills them, and 
suck their blood : And in particular situations, the Fen^et 
is a still more deadly adversary. Mankind have likewise 
contrived various methods of destroying these bold in- 
truders. For that purpose, traps are often found inef- 
fectual ; such being their extreme sagacity, that when 
any are drawn into the snare, the others by that means 
iearn to avoid the dangerous allurement, notwithstanding 
the utmost caution may have been used to conceal the de- 
sign. The surest method of killing them is by poison : 
Nux vomica ground, and mixed with oatmeal, with a 
small proportion of oil of rhodium and mubk, have been 
found from experience to be very effectuaL 




414 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




THE WATER-RAT, 

(Mus AmpJnbius, Lin. — Le Rat d'eau, BufF.) 

Is somewhat smaller than the former ; its head and nose 
are thicker ; its eyes are small ; its ears short, scarcely 
appearing through the hair ; its teeth are large, strong, 
and yellow. In an old one which we examined, the low- 
er incisors measured somewhat more than half an inch in 
length. The hair on its head and body is thicker and 
longer than that of the common Rat, and chiefly of a 
dark-brown colour, mixed with red ; the belly is gray ; 
the tail five inches long, covered with short black hairs, 
and the tip with white. 

The Water- Rat generally frequents the sides of rivers, 
ponds, and ditches ; where it burrows, and forms its 

nest. ^It feeds on frogs, small fish, and spawn ; swims 

and dives remarkably fast ; and can continue a long time 
under w^ater. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 4I 



THE MUSK-RAT OF CAMADA, 

(Castor Zibethicus, Lin. — L Ondatra, BufF.) 

Is about the size of a young Rabbit : Its head is thick 
and short, resembling that of a Water- Rat ; its hair soft 
and glossy ; beneath the outward hair there is a thick fine 
down, very useful in the manufacture of hats : it is of a 
reddish-brown colour ; its breast and belly ash, tinged 
with red ; its tail is long and flat, covered with scales ; 
its eyes are large ; its ears short and hairy ; it has two 
strong cutting teeth in each jaw, — those of the under jaw- 
are about an inch long, but the upper ones are shorter. 

This animal is a native of Canada, where it is called 
the Ondatra, 

In many respects, it very much resembles the Beaver, 
both in form and manners. It is fond of the water, and 
swims well. — At the approach of winter, several families 
associate together. They build little huts, about two feet 
in diameter, composed of herbs and rushes cemented 
with clay, forming a dome-like covering : From these 
are several passages, in different directions, by which 

they go out in quest of roots and other food. The 

hunters take them in the spring, by opening their holes, 



4l6 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

and letting the light suddenly in upon them. — At that 
time their flesh is tolerably good, and is frequently eaten; 
but in the summer it acquires a scent of musk, so strong, 
as to render it perfectly unpalatable. 




THE MUSCOVT MUSK-RAT, 
(Castor Moschatiis, Lin. — Ddesman^ Buff.) 

Is about the size of the common Rat : Its nose is long 
and slender, like that of the Shrew- Mouse ; it has no ex- 
ternal ears, and its eyes are very small ; the tail is com- 
pressed tideways, and its hind feet are webbed ; it is of a 
dusky colour ; the belly of a light ash. 

It is a native of Lapland and Russia, frequents the 
banks of rivers, ^nd feeds on small fishes. It is often 
devoured by pikes and other fishes ; to which it commu- 
nicates so strong a flavour of musk, as renders them very 
unpleasant to the taste. 

From its tail is extracted a kind of musk, very much 
resembling the genuine sort. — Their skins are fi-equently 
laid among clothes to pre -erve them from moths.-- — In 
Lapland, it is called the Desman. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



417 




THE BEAVER, 

f Castor Fabery Lin. — Le Bievre, BufF.) 

The most industrious of animals. Its labours seem 
the result of a social compact, formed for mutual conve- 
nience, "preservation, and support ; and as, in all well-re- 
gulated societies, a due subordination is necessary for the 
well-ordering and conducting each individual effort to the 
advantage of the whole; so, amongst these curious ani- 
mals, we find, that, in forming their habitations, all have 
their proper part of the work assigned to them, that, by- 
dividing their labours, safety, stability, and expedition, 
may be the general effect. To this purpose, a communi- 
ty of two or three hundred assemble together : An over- 
seer is chosen, whose orders are punctually obeyed; and, 
by striking the water smartly with his tail, gives the 
signal where the united force of numbers is necessary to 
be applied, in order to strengthen and support the fabric ; 
or, at the approach of an enemy, to apprize the society 

Dd' 



418 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

of their danger. — As soon as a convenient place is chosen 
for the erection of their building, which is generally a le- 
vel piece of ground, with a small rivulet running through 
it, they divide into companies : Some are employed i^ 
cutting dov/n trees of great size, which is done by gnaw- 
ing them with their teeth : These they lay across the dam 
with surprising labour and perseverance, or form into 
piles, which others roll down to the water, where they 
make holes at the bottom for receiving the ends, and 
placing them upright, secure them in that position ; 
w^hilst another party is engaged in collecting twigs, inter- 
weaving and twisting them with the piles, and thereby 
strengthening the w ork : Some collect lai'ge quantities of 
earth, stones, clay, and other solid materials, which they 
dispose of on their upper side of the piles next the stream, 
forming a mound ten or twelve feet thick at the bottom, 
tapering gra.duaily upv^ards, and capable of sustaining a 
considerable weight of water. The length of the dam, 
occasioned by this means^ is sometimes not less than one 
hundred feet.— Having compleated the mole, their next 
care is to erect their apartments, which are built on 
piles : They are of a circular form, and generally consist 
of three stories, about eight feet high above the water : 
The first lies below the level of the dam, and is generally 
full of water ; the other two are above it. The walls are 
two feet in thickness, neatly plaistered with clay on the 
inside, which is arched like an oven, and at the top re- 
sembles a domCc In each house there is one opening to- 
ward the water, to which the animal has always access, 
in case of surprise.— The number of houses in one of 
these dams is from ten to twenty-five ; some of them 
large enough to contain a family of twenty or thirty 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 419 

Beavers. Each Beaver forms its bed of moss, and each 
family lays in its magazine of winter provisions, which 
consists of bark and boughs of trees: They pile up the 
latter with great ingenuity and regularity, and draw it 
out to their apartments as their wants require. They are 
said to be fondest of the sassafras, ash, and sweet gum. 
During summer, they feed on lea^^^es, fruits, and some- 
times crabs or cray-fish ; but fish is not their favourite 
food. — Their time of building is early in the summer. 
In winter, they never go farther than to their provision 
stores ; and during that season are very fat. 

They breed once a year, and bring forth two or three 
at a birth. 

Beavers are found chiefly in the northern parts of Eu- 
rope, Asia, and America ; particularly the latter, from 
whence many thousands of their skins- are annually 
brought into Europe. In 1763, the Hudson's Bay com- 
pany sold 54,670 Beaver skins at one sale. — They vary in 
colour. The most valuable are black ; but the general 
colour is a chesnut-brown, ' more or less dark. Some 
have been found entirely white, others spotted ; but both 
these kinds are very rare. 

The Beaver is remarkable for the size and strength of 
its cutting-teeth, which enable it to gnaAv down trees of 
great inagnitude with ease. Its ears are short, and almost 
hid in the fur ; its nose blunt ; tail broad and flat, neai'ly 
of an oval form, .and covered Vvith scales — it serves not 
only as a rudder to direct its motions in the water, but 
as a most useful instrurnent for laying on the clay, pres- 
sing it into the crevices, and smoothing the outward co- 
vering ; its fore feet are small, and not unlike those of a 

Dd2 



420 HISTORY OF Q^UADRUPEDS. 

Rat , the hind feet are large and strong, with membranes 
between each toe ; its length from nose to tail, is about 
three feet; the tail is eleven inches long, and three 
broad. 

The castor produced from these animals is found in 
a liquid state, in bags near the anus, about the size of an 
e^^. When taken off, the matter dries, and is reducible 
to a powder, which is oily, of a sharp bitter taste, and 
a strong disagreeable smell, — These bags are found indif- 
ferently in males and females, and were formerly sup- 
posed to be the animal's testicles, which, when pursued, 
it was said to bite off, and by that means escape with its 
life. 




HISTORY OF (QUADRUPEDS. 421 




THE MO USE, 
(Mus Miisculus, Lin. — Le Souris^ BufF.) 

This well-known little animal is diffused in great num- 
bers over almost every part of the world. It seems a 
constant attendant on man, and is only to be found near 
his dwelling. Its enemies are numerous and powerful, 
and its means of resistance weak and inconsiderable : Its 
minuteness seems to be its best security ; and it is saved 
from utter extinction only by its amazing fecundity. 

The Mouse brings forth several times in tlie yeai', and 
generally from six to ten each litter. The young are 
produced without hair, and in little more than fifteen 
days are able to subsist by themselves ; so that the in- 
crease is prodigious. Aristotle tells us, that having shut 
up in a vessel a Mouse big with young, and provided 
plenty of grain for her and Her offspring, in a short time 
he found 120 Mice all sprung from the same stock. 

The Mouse, when viewed without the disgust and ap- 
prehension which usually accompany the sight of it, is a 
beautiful little animal : Its skin sleek and soft, its eyes 

Dd3 



422 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

bright and lively, all its limbs are formed with exquisite 
delicacy, and its motions are smart and active. 

Some few of this species are of a pure white colour ; 
but whether they be a permanent kind, or only an acci- 
dental variety, cannot well be determkied. Its appear- 
ance is, however, very beautiful: its fine full eyes, of a 
red colour, form an agreeable contrast with the snowy 
whiteness of its fur. 




THE LOJfG-TAILEB FIELD-MOUSE, 

(Miis SyhaticuSy Lin.— Ld* Miilot, Buff.) 

Is rather larger than the common Mouse, and very simi« 
lar to it in form : It is of a yellowish-brown colour, its 
belly white, and its eyes remarkably large and prominent. 
— It is found only in the fields, woods and gardens; 
feeds on nuts, corn, and acorns ; and lays up great stores 
for its support during winter. It burrows in the earth, 
and generally forms its nest near the root of a tree, or 
thick bush. If provisions fail during a storm, they de- 
vour each other ; are very prolific, and bring nine or ten 
young at a time. 
. Mr. Pennant mentions a species, found in Hampshire, 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS; 4^3 

only two inches and a half long from nose to tail, of a 
fine rust colour above, and white beneath. It appears in 
great numbers in harvest-time among the sheaves and 
ricks of corn. During winter, it shelters itself under 
ground, where it makes a warm bed of dry grass and 
leaves. Its young are brought forth on a nest made be- 
tween the straws of the standing corn, and are generally 
about eight in number each time. 




THE SHORT TAILED FIELD-MffUSE. 

Differs from the last, in having a thicker head, and 
shorter tail : its ears are very short, and almost hid in the 
hair ; its body is about three inches long, and the tail 
one; the upper part of the body is of a reddish- 
brown, and the belly a deep ash-colour. — Like the last, it 
frequents the fields and woods, but is seldom troublesome 
in gardens: It also lives on the same kinds of food, 
which it hides in holes under ground. — It makes its nest 
in moist meadows, and brings forth seven or eight young 
at a time. 



D d 4 



424 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




THE SHREW-MOUSE, 

fSorex Jmneusy Lin. — La Musaraigne^ BufF.) 

Is smaller than the common Mouse, being only two inch- 
es and a half long from the nose to the tail : The nose is 
long and slender ; the ears short ; and the eyes, like those 
of the Mole, almost concealed in the fur. It is of a red- 
dish-brown colour; the belly white. The two upper 

fore teeth of this animal are singularly constructed, and 
deserve particular notice ; having a small barb on each 
side, so fine, as to be scarcely visible. 

The Shrew- Mouse frequents old walls and heaps of 
stones ; feeds on insects, corn, and putrid substances ; 
and is sometimes seen on dunghills, where it roots with 
its nose like a Hog. — It has so strong and disagreeable a 
smell, that the Cat, after she has killed, refuses to eat it. 
— It forms its nest of dry grass, moss, &c. on the surface 
of meadows or pastures, and is said to breed four or five 
young at a time. 

There seems to be an annual mortality of these animals 
in August, numbers of them being found dead in the 
fields, highways, &c. about that time. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



425 




THE WATER SHREW-MOUSE, 

(La Musaraigne d'Eau, Buff.) 

Is larger than the last. The upper part of its body is 
black ; the throat, breast, and belly, of a light ash colour. 
—It is rarely to be seen ; frequents the banks of rivulets 
and marshy places, where it burrows. 

It is very numerous in Lincolnshire, but was never oh* 
served there till about twenty years ago. — It is called, in 
that country, the Blind Mouse, 




426 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




THE DWARF-MOUSE, 

Is a native of the Cape of Good- Hope, where It was dis- 
covered, and first described, by Sparmian. — It is distin- 
guished from every other species of the genus, by four 
black lines along its back, from the head to the tail. 

It is supposed to be the most diminutive quadruped m 
the world, being scarcely two inches in length. In the 
annexed representation, it is drawn the natural size, and 
forms a striking contrast with those gigantic animals 
which inhabit that quarter of the world. 




HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



427 




THE MOLE, 

(Talpa Eur opens Lin. — La Taupe ^ BuiT.) 

This animal, destined to seek its food and provide for 
its subsistence under the surface of the earth, is wonder- 
fully adapted, by the all- wise Author of Nature, to its pe- 
culiar mode of living. It enjoys the senses of hearing 
and smelling in a very eminent degree ; The former gives 
notice of every approach of danger ; whilst the latter 
enables it to find its prey in the midst of darkness, and 
compensates in a great measure for an almost total want 
of sight. To an animal so circumstanced, a larger de- 
gree of vision would be attended with manifest inconve- 
niences, as well as liable to continual injuries. We are 
told by anatomists, that, for their better security, the 
eyes of the Mole are furnished with muscles, by which it 
has the power of withdrawing or exerting them at plea- 
sure. Its eyes are extremely small, and perfectly hid in 
the fur. 



428 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

The form of this creature's body, and particularly the 
construction of its fore feet, are admirably adapted to the 
purpose of making its way in the earth, which it does 
with v/onderful felicity : These are quite naked, very 
broad, with large palms, almost like a hand : There are 
five toes on each, terminated with strong nails, very con- 
cave on the under side ; and, in place of a thumb, a 
strong bone under the skin. The hind feet are very 
small, with five slender toes, and a small thumb on the 
inside. Whenever it happens to be surprised on the sur- 
face of the ground, it disappears in an instant ; and every 
attempt to prevent its subterraneous retreat w^ould be vain. 

The Mole is mostly found in grounds where the soil is 
loose and soft, and affords the greatest quantit}^ of worms 
and insects on which it feeds. 

The female brings forth in the spring, and generally 
produces four or live at a time. The young are quite 
naked, and continue so till they are grown to a consider- 
able size.— It makes its nest a little below the surface of 
the ground, forming a commodious apartment, where it 
prepares a warm bed of moss and herbage : From this 
there are several passages in different directions to which 
it can retreat with its young ones in case of danger ; into 
these likewise it makes excursions in quest of food. — In 
the act of forming its tracks or runs, it throws up large 
heaps of mould, which are extremely injurious in mea- 
dows, grass lands, and cultivated grounds. Its destruc- 
tion is consequently an object of importance to farmers, 
gardners, &c. 

The skin of the Mole is extremely tough ; its fur short, 
close- set, and softer than the finest velvet, or perhaps the 
fur of any other animal. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



429 




THE RADIATED MOLE, 

(Sorex Cristatus, Lin.) 

Is less than the common Mole, being not quite four 
inches long : Its fur is very close, short, and fine : It is 
a native of North- America, feeds on roots, and forms 
subterraneous passages in different directions. 

There is a kind, found in Siberia, with a very short 
nose, and no tail. It is of a beautiful green and gold co- 
lour, variable with the light. 

There are some other varieties, that differ chiefly in 
the colour of the hair ; such as the Yellozo Mole of 
North- America, which is larger than the European. Its 
hair is soft, and of a silky gloss. 

That which is found in Virginia, resembles the com- 
mon Mole. It is of a black colour, mixed with deep 
purple. 

It is said that hats, peculiar fine and beautiful, have 
been made of the fur of the Mole. 



430 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



THE OPOSSUM. 

{Didelph is, Lin, — U Opossum, Buff.) 

This animal is found in great numbers in variousparts 
of North and South- America, and was supposed by Buf- 
fon to belong entirely to the new continent. We ai'e 
now however, assured, that it exists in many of the In- 
dian Islands. Several varieties of the Opossum kind have 
been seen also in the new*ly discovered countries in the 
South Seas. 









-<^:r^^ : 




THE MURIME. THE SARAGOT, 

The Saragoy, or Molucca Opossum of Mr. Pen- 
nant, is about the size of a Cat : Its head is long ; nose 
sharp and pointed : ears large, thin, and naked ; eyes 
small, black, and lively, having a white spot above each 
of them ; its fur is soft, long, and of a dusky ash colour ; 
its belly white ; its tail is similar to that of a Rat, naked 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 431 

and scaly, except a small part near the body, which is 
covered with hair ; its legs are short ; and its feet or 
hands not unlike those of a Monkey, having five toes or 
fingers on each ; the thumbs on the hind feet are desti- 
tute of nails. But the peculiar and distinguishing cha- 
racteristic of the Opossum is a pouch or false belly, in 
which the female deposits her young immediately after 
they are brought forth, and nourishes them in it till they 
are able to provide for themselves. 

The Chevalier d' Aboville, whilst in America during 
the late war, in order to be satisfied respecting the time 
of its gestation, manner of bringing forth, and suckling 
its young, procured a male and female Opossum, which 
he tamed, and kept in his chamber till they copulated. 
Ten days after, he observed a considerable alteration in 
the size and form of the pouch ; its aperture being wider 
|:han it was before, and its orifice thicker : From that 
time it gradually grew closer, leaving only a small open- 
ing in the middle, similar to a naval : On the fifteenth 
day he introduced his finger, and found at the bottom of 
the bag a sm^all round body, about the size of a pea : The 
twenty-fifth day he could feel a motion under his finger. 
After the young had been a month in the pouch, they 
were plainly to be seen, on opening it a little. At the 
end of two months, on examining the pouch, there ap- 
peared to be six young ones, all of them attached to the 
mother by a canal that entered the mouth, ^vhich, if 
withdrawn, could not be replaced ; but when six weeks 
old, the young Opossum could resume it by strong suc- 
tion, the mouth being then large enough to receive the 
pap, which is about two lines in length, and the size of 
die second or third string of a violin. 



432 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

The number of the young varies from five to ten or 
eleven. 

The paps are not disposed in regular order, as in other 
animals, but seem as if they were formed in those places 
where the embryos attach themselves to the mother. 

The Opossum is a slow, helpless, animal, when on the 
ground : but climbs trees with great ease and quickness ; 
sometimes conceals itself among the branches, and sur- 
prises the birds that come within its reach. It frequent- 
ly hangs, suspended by its tail : and, in that situation, 
watches for its prey, which it darts upon with great agi- 
lity. 

By means of this tail, the Opossum flings itself from 
one tree to another.- — It feeds on birds, reptiles, insects, 
roots, leaves, and the bark of trees. — It is easily tamed, 
is neither mischievous nor ferocious ; but its figure is dis- 
agreeable, and the odour that exhales from its skin rank 
and disgusting. 

THE MURIME OPOSSUM, 

(Didelphis Murina, Lin. — La Marmose, Buff.) 

Inhabits the warmest parts of South- America. — It re- 
sembles the former, but is much less. Its food and man- 
ner of living are likewise very similar to it. 

It brings forth from ten to fourteen young at a time ; 
but, instead of a bag, the female has two longitudinal 
folds under her belly, within which the young are se- 
cured. When first produced, they are not larger than 
beans, and remain closely attached to the teat till they 
attain sufiicient growth and strength to provide for them- 
selves. 



HISTORY OF (QUADRUPEDS. 



433 




THE MEXICAM OPOSSUM, 



Differs little from the preceding either in size or form. 
It is found in the mountainous parts of New-Spain, lives 
in trees. Its tail is useful in twisting round the branch- 
es, and securing its hold. 

The young attach themselves to their mother by their 
hands and tails ; and, upon the least alarm, embrace her 
closely ; whilst she carries them to the shelter of some 
neighbouring tree. 




E 



434 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 




THE PHALAJfGER, 

Is somewhat larger than a Rat : Its nose is thick ; ears 
short and hairy ; its fur is of a reddish colour, variegated 
with light ash and yellow ; the under part of the body 
yellowish- white ; it is distinguished from all those of the 
Opossum kind we have hitherto mentioned, in having the 
iirst and second toes of the hind feet closely united ; its 
claws are large ; tail long, very broad and thick at its 
junction with the body, and naked at the end. 
It inhabits the East- Indies, 




HISTORY OF gUADRUPEDS, 435 




THE SPOTTED OPOSSUM OF NEW SOUTH- 
WALES. 

The general colour of this animal is black ; the body 
spotted with irregular roundish patches of white ; the 
ears are large and erect ; muzzle long, pointed, and fur- 
nished with long slender whiskers ; both fore and hind 
legs thinly covered with hair of an ash colour ; on the 
fore feet it has five claws, and on the hind four ; length, 
from nose to tail, about twenty-five inches ; tail thick 
and bushy, like that of a Squirrel, except a part near the 
body, which is small, and covered with short hairs. The 
female has six teats, placed circularly within the pouch. 

THE VULPINE OPOSSUM OF NEW SOUTH- 
WALES, 

Is long-nosed and short legged ; from the nose to the in- 
sertion of the tail, measures two feet two inches; tail fif- 
teen inches ; upper part of the body grisly, consisting of 



43^ HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

dusky, reddish, and white hairs ; the under pails light- 
tawny ; two-thirds of the tail black ; a blackish space 
round each eye ; long black whiskers ; five toes on each 
fore feet, and four on the hind, with a thumb of two 
joints placed at the base of the inner toe ; the toes of the 
fore feet are long, and answer the purpose of a hand ; 
the ears are about an inch and a half in length ; in the 
upper jaw are six cutting- teeth, four grinders, andt^io 
canine teeth ; in the lower jaw, two long cutting teeth, 
like those of a Squirrel, and four grinders, but no canine 
teeth. 




THE FLYING OPOSSUM OF NEW 
SOUTH-WALES. 

Its nose is pointed ; its ears large and erect ; the fur 
more delicate, and of a finer texture than that of the 
Sea- Otter, — is of a beautiful dai'k colour, and very glossy, 
piixed with gray ; the under paits Vv^hite ; on each hip is 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 437 

a tan- coloured spot ; the fur is continued to the claws ; 
the sailing membrane is the same as that of the Gray 
Squirrel, but broader in proportion ; on the fore legs it 
has five toes, with a claw on each ; on the hind ones, 
four toes, and a long thumb, which enables the animal 
to use it as a hand ; it is remarkable, that the three out- 
side claws of the hind feet are not separated like the 
others. 




THE OPOSSUM OF VAM DIEMEM's LAJSTD, 

Was discovered by Captain Cook in January, 1777; who 
describes it as about twice the size of alarofe Rat. — It is 

o 

covered with long soft glossy hair, of a rusty-brown co- 
lour; its belly is of a dirty white. 

It inhabits Van Diemen's Land, the southern point of 
New- Holland. 



Ee 



438 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 




THE SQUIRREL OPOSSUM. 

We are favoured with a drawing of this beautiful ani- 
mal, taken from a living one in the possession of the re- 
vered Mr. Egerton, prebendary of Durham, by the in- 
genious Mr. Carfrae. 

It is a native of New South- Wales ; is about eighteen 
inches long, exclusive of the tail, which is twelve : Its 
head is broad, and pointed at the muzzle, which is fur- 
nished with long whiskers ; its eyes are full, exceedingly 
prominent, and of a fiery redness; it has five claw^s on 
the fore feet, — three on the hind, and a thumb ; two 
cutting teeth in each jaw, the upper projecting beyond 
the under. — Its manners are similar to those of a Squir- 
rel. It sits up, holds its food in its fore paws with great 
dexterity, and feeds itself. When irritated, it sits still 
more erect, or throws itself upon its back, making aloud 






HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS; 439 

and harsh noise. -It feeds on vegetables, small birds^ 

The fur is long, soft, and very close; of a mixed 
brown or grayish colour on the back ; the under parts of 
a yellowish- white. Its tail is prehensile, very broad at 
the base, tapers to the end, and is naked on the under 
side. — The female is furnished with a pouch. 




THE KAMGUROO, 

Is a native of New- Holland, where it was first discover- 
ed by Sir Joseph Banks.- Its head is small and taper, 

ears large and erect, upper lip divided, the end of the 
nose black, nostrils wide, lower jaw shorter thtm the up- 
per, and there . are whiskers on both ; it likewise has 
strong hairs above and below the eves ; its head, neck 

E c i 



440 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

and shoulders, are small ; the lower parts of the body in- 
creasing in thickness to the rump ; its tail is long, very- 
thick near the rump, and taper ; its fore feet are extreme- 
ly short, and are mostly used in digging or bringing its 
food to its mouth ; it moves altogether on its hind legs, 
making successive bounds of ten or twelve feet, with 
such rapidity as to outstrip the fleetest Greyhound ; it 
springs from rock to rock, and leaps over bushes seven 
or eight feet high, with great ease ; it has five toes on 
its fore feet, — three on the hind, the middle one very 
long ; the inner claw is divided down the middle into 
two parts. 

The Kanguroo rests on its hind legs, which are hard, 
black, and naked on the under side. Its fur is short and 
soft, of a reddish ash colour, lighter on the lower parts. 

It is the only quadruped our colonists have yet met 
with in New South- Wales that supplies them with ani- 
mal food. There are two kinds. The largest that 

had been shot weighed about 1401b. ; and measured, 
from the point of the nose to the end of the tail, six feet 
one inch ; the tail, two feet one inch ; head eight inches ; 
fore legs, one foot ; hind legs, two feet eight inches ; 
circumference of the fore part of the body, near the legs, 
one foot one inch ; and of the hind part, three feet. 
The smaller kind seldom exceed 601b. 

This animal is furnished with a pouch, similar to that 
of the Opossum, in which its young are nursed and shel- 
tered. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



441 




THE KANGUEOO^RAT OF NEW SOUTH-WALES. 

Is about the size of a rabbit, and in shape resembles the 
Kanguroo, both in respect to the shortness of the fore 
legs, and the peculiar use and construction of the hind 
ones ; the form of the head is like that of a Rat, and its 
body nearly of the same colour ; in the upper jaw it has 
two long cutting teeth, with three short ones on each 
side of them ; in the lower jaw, two long cutting teeth, 
and three grinders on each side. 

The female, like most of the animals of that country, 
has a pouch, like the Opossum. 

It feeds on vegetables, burrows in the ground, and is 
very tame and inofiensive. 



442 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 

THE TELLOF/ MACAUCO. 







THE RIJ^G'TAILEB MACAUCO, 

{Lemur Cafta, hm.—-Le Mococo, BufF.) 

The Ring-tailed Macauco is a very beautiful ani- 
mal, about the size of a Cat. Its body and limbs are 
long and slender ; its tail very long, and marked with 
alternate bars of black and white : In the conformation 
of its paws, it seems to approach the Monkey kind ; but 
its nose is long and sharp, like that of a Fox, and its ears 
are also large and pointed : Its head and throat are 
v/hite ; eyes large, and surrounded with black : Its fur 
IS glossy, soft, anddelicate,—- of a reddish-ash colour on 
the back ; belly white. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 443 

It is found in Madagascar and the neighbouring isles, 
is very playful, but not mischievous. When in mo- 
tion, it makes a sort of galloping progress in an oblique 
direction, and carries its tail almost erect ; but when sit- 
ting, it is twisted round the body, and brought over its 

head. Troops of thirty or forty are sometimes seen 

together. 

It is a cleanly animal ; and, when taken young, may 
be easily tamed. 

The Yellow Macauco has been classed with the 
Weasel tribe by Mr. Pennant, in his History of Quadru- 
peds ; and it seems to bear some general resemblance to 
that species of animals. Its head is fiat and broad ; its 
ears are short, eyes small, body long and slender, legs 
and thighs short and thick, and it has five straight toes on 
each foot : Its fur is short, soft, and glossy, of a black 
colour, mixed with yellow, on the back ; the cheeks, in- 
side of the legs, and belly, yellow ; along the back, from 
head to tail, there is a broad dusky stripe ; and another 
on the belly, half way from the tail, which is nearly as 
long as its body, of a bright tawny colour, mixed with 
black, and has the same prehensile faculty as those of 
some kinds of Monkies. Its length, from nose to tail, 
is nineteen inches. 

One of this species was shewn in London some yeai's 
ago, and was said to have been brought from Jamaica, 
where it *is called the Poito. It was good-natured and 
sportive, would catch hold of any thip.g with its tail, audi 
suspend itself by it. 



44^ 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 



THE TAIL-LESS MACAUCO. 
f Lemur Tardigradus, Lin.) 




THE MOJ^GOOZ. 
(Lemur Mongooz, Lin. — Le Mongooz, BufF. 

The Tail-less Macauco is found in Ceylon and 
Bengal, lives in woods, and feeds on fruits ; is fond of 
eggs and small birds, which it devours greedily. 

It is a very inactive animal, and its motions slow ; very 
tenacious of its hold, and makes a plaintive noise. 

Its head is small, and nose pointed ; each eye is edged 
with a circle of white, which is also surrounded with 



HISTORY OF OUADRUPEDS. 445 

another of black ; its body is covered with a short silky- 
fur, of a reddish-ash colour ; the toes naked ; nails flat, 
except those on the inner toes of the hind feet, which 
are sharp and crooked. Its length, from the nose to the 
rump, is sixteen inches. 

The MoNGOOzis nearly of the same size, as the Ring- 
tailed Macau CO. 

Its fur is line, soft and woolly, of a deep brownish- 
ash colour ; the eyes are of a beautiful orange colour, 
surrounded with black ; the ears are short; cheeks white; 
end of the nose black ; the tail very long, and covered 
with hair of the same sort and colour as the body ; its 
hands and feet are naked, and of a dusky colour ; its 
nails, except one upon the inner toe of each hind foot, 
are fiat. 

It inhabits Madagascar and the isles adjacent, sleeps 
in trees, is very playful and good-natured, feeds on fruits, 
is extremely tender, and cannot bear any change to a less 
temperate climate. 

THE LOR IS, 

Is a very slender animal, and differs greatly from the 
preceding, both in form and manners. 

It is not much larger than a Squirrel, but its limbs ai^e 
longer ; the hind legs greatly exceed the fore in length ; 
the thumbs on each foot are more distinct and separate 
from the toes than those of other Macaucos ; its nose is 
pointed, like that of a dog ; its forehead high ; eai^s 
round and thin ; its fur is short and delicately soft, of a 
tawny colour on the back, and whitish below : It has no 
tail. 



446 HISTORY OF gUADRUPEDS; 

The Loris is a native of Ceylon, very active, lives in 
trees, and feeds on fruit. Seba says, the male climbs 
the trees, and tastes the fruit before he presents it to his 
mate. 

THE BLACK MACAUCO. 

(Lemur Niger y Lin. — Le Vari, Buff.) 

Is larger than the Mongooz. — It is a native of Madagas- 
car, is very fierce, and makes a loud noise in the woods ; 
but, when tamed, is gentle and good-natured. — Its eyes 
are of a deep orange colour. Round its head, the hair 
is long, and stands out like a ruff. 

The general colour of this animal is black ; but some 
are white, spotted with black. The feet are black and 
naked. 

THE TARSIER, 

Is remarkable for the great length of its hind legs, in 
which it resembles the Jerboa ; has four slender toes and 
a distinct thumb on each foot : Its visage is pointed ; eyes 
large and prominent ; ears erect, broad, and naked : Its 
hair is soft and woolly, of a deep ash colour, mixed with 
tB.wny : Its length, from the nose to the rump, is nearly 
six inches ; the tail is nine inches long, round, scaly, al- 
most naked, like that of a Rat, and tufted at the end. 

It is found in some of the remote islands of India, 
especially Amboyna. 



HISTORY OF ^UADHUPEDS. 447 

ANIMALS OF THE MOMKET KIJSTD. 

We now come to the description of a numerous race 
of animals, consisting of a greater variety of kinds, and 
making nearer approaches to the human species, both in 
form and action, than any other class of quadrupeds. 

Monkies are found only in the warmest parts of the 
world, and chiefly in the torrid zone. They abound in 
the woods of Africa, from Senegal to the Cape of Good 
Hope, and from thence to Ethiopia ; in all paits of India, 
and its isles ; in the South of China ; in Japan ; and in 
South- America, from the Isthmus of Darien as far as Pa- 
raguay. A species or two are also met with in Arabia 
and the province of Barbary. 

On account of the numbers and different appearances 
of these animals, they have been divided into three clas- 
ses, and described under the following denominations ; 
viz.— Apes, or such as have no tail ; Baboons, or such 
^s have short tails ; Mo n k i e s , or such as have long tails. 

In the Ape kind, we see the whole external machine 
strongly impressed With the human likeness, and capable 
of similar exertions : They walk upright, their posteriors 
are fleshy, their legs are furnished with calves, and their 
hands and feet are neai^ly like the human. 

In the Baboon, we perceive a more distant resem- 
blance of the human form : He generally goes upon all 
four, seldom upright, but when constrained to it in a 
state of servitude. — Some of them are as tall as a man 
— They have short tails, long faces, sunk eyes, arc ex- 
tremely disgusting, lascivious, and possessed of the most 
brutal fierceness. 



448 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



The Monkey kind are removed still farther, and are 
much less than the former. Their tails are generally 
longer than their bodies ; and, although they sit upon 
their posteriors, they always move upon all four. — ^They 
are a lively, active race of animals, full of frolic and gri- 
mace, greatly addicted to thieving, and extremely fond of 
imitating human actions, but always with a mischievous 
intention. 




HISTORY OF gUADRUPEDS. 449 




THE ORAJV'OUTANG, OR WILD MAX 
OF THE WOODS, 

(Simia SatyruSy Lin. — Le Pongo, Buii.) 

Is the largest of all the Ape kind, and makes the nearest 
approach to the human figure. One of this kind, dis- 
sected by Dr. Tyson, has been very accurately described 
by him. The principle external differences, pointed out 
by that learned physician, consisted in the great length of 
the arms, and shortness of the thighs; the thumb is also 
much smaller, and the palm of the hand longer and nar- 
rower, than in man; the form of the feet is very dissimi- 
lar, the toes being much longer, and the large toe placed 
at a greater distance from the others ; the forehead is 

F f 



45Q HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

higher, the nose flat, and the eyes much sunk : Beside 
these, that anatomist has enumerated a variety of essential 
differences in the internal conformation of the Oran-Ou- 
tang ; all of which sufficiently evince, that, though he 
has the strongest affinity to the human form of any other 
quadruped ; yet, as Buffbn elegantly observes, '' the in- 
terval vvhich separates the two species is immense ; the 
resemblance in figure and organization, and the move- 
ments of imitation which seem to result from these simi- 
larities, neither make him approach the nature of man, 
nor elevate him above that of the brute." 

The Oran-Outang is found in the interior parts of 
Africa, in Madagascar, Borneo, and some parts of the 
East- Indies. 

It is a solitary animal, avoids mankind, and lives only 
in the most desart places. 

The largest of the kind are said to be about six feet 
high, very active, strong, and intrepid, capable of over- 
coming the strongest man : They are likewise exceeding- 
ly swift, and cannot easily be taken alive. — They live en- 
tirely on fruits and nuts, will sometimes attack and kill 
the negroes wiio wander in the v/oods, and drive away 
the Elephants that happen to approach too near the place 
of their residence. It is said that they sometimes sur- 
prise the female negroes, and carry them off into the 
woods, where they compel them to stay with them. 

When taken young, however, the Oran- Outang is ca- 
pable of being tamed, and rendered extremely docile. — 
One of them, shewn in London some years ago, was 
taught to sit at table, make use of a spoon or fork in eat- 
ing its victuals, and drink wine or other liquors out of a 
glass. It was extremely mild, affectionate, and good-na- 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 451 

tured ; much attached to its keeper, and obedient to his 
commands. Its aspect was grave, and its disposition me- 
lancholy. It was young, and only two feet four inches 
high. Its body was covered with hair of a black colour, 
which was much thicker and closer on the back than on 
the fore part of the body ; the hands and soles of the feet 
were naked, and of a dusky colour. 



THE PIGMY APE. 
{Simla Sylvaiius, Lin. — Le Pitlieqiie, Buff.) 

A variety, found in Guinea, Ethiopia, and other parts 
of Africa, much smaller than the last, being not more 
than a - foot and a half in length. It is very tractable, 
good-natured, and easily tamed ; is supposed to have been 
the Pithecos of the ancients. It lives in woods, and feeds 
on fruits and insects. — Troops of them assemble together, 
and defend themselves from the attacks of wild beasts in 
the desart, by throwing a cloud of sand behind them^ 
i^hich blinds their pursuers, and facilitates their escape. 




i< f 2 



I 



453 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




THE LOJfG-ARMED APE, 

(Le Grand Gibbon, Buii.) 

1^ distinguished by the extraordinary length of its arms, 
which reach to the ground when its body is upright, and 
give it a disgusting appearance. Its face is flat, and of a 
tawny colour, surrounded with a circle of gray hairs, 
which adds to the singulai^ity of its aspect ; its eyes are 
large and deep sunk ; ears round and naked ; body cover- 
ed on all parts with black rough hair, except its buttocks, 
which are quite naked. 

It is a mild, gentle, and tractable animal ; feeds on 
fruits, leaves, and the bark of trees ; is a native of the 
East-Indies, Sumatra, and the Molucca isles ; and mea- 
sures from three to four feet in height. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



453 




THE BARB ART APE, 

[Simia Imias, Lin. — Le Magot, Buff.) 

Is wilder and more untractable than the others. His 
head is large, and his nose prominent : He likewise dif- 
fers from the last, in having cheek pouches, which he 
frequently fills w ith food before he beings to eat : The 
canine teeth are large and strong ; ears round, and some- 
what like those of a man ; the body is covered with hair 
of a brown colour, inclining to green ; lighter on the 
belly. When standing erect upon his hind legs, he is 
generally two feet and a half or three feet high. He 
walks oftener on four than on two feet ; and, when rest- 
ing, supports his bod}^ on two prominent callosities, situ- 
ated on his buttocks. 

This is a very common species, and is found in most 
parts of Africa, from Barbary to the Cape of Good 
Hope. 



F f 3 



454f HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 




THE BABOON, 

(Simia Sphynx, Lin.) 

Differs from animals of the Ape kind, not only in ex- 
ternal appearance, but also in temper and disposition. — 
Fierce, untractable, and libidinous, its disposition seems 
to partake of the hedious and disgusting deformities of 
its outward figure. — Its body is thick, compact, and ner- 
vous, and its strength prodigious. — Neither art nor ca- 
resses can render it in any degree docile or obedient. It 
seems to be continually fretting with rage, and seeking 
every opportunity of shewing its savage and vicious pro^ 
pensities. — In a state of captivity, it must be kept closely 
confined ; and, even in that state, we have seen one shake 
the bars of his cage so powerfully with his hands, as to 
excite the utmost terror in the spectators. 

This animal, of which we have given a very faitliful 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 455 

representation from the life, was about four feet high 
when standing on its hind legs : Its head was large, 
shoulders of an amazing strength and thickness, its muz- 
zle long and thick, eyes small and deep sunk, its canine 
teeth very large and formidable, and it had pouches in 
its cheeks : The hair on its head was long, and formed a 
very eleagant toupee from its forehead and each side of its 
face, which, when angry, it erected; the hair on the bo- 
dy was uniformly of a light reddish-brown ; the tail short, 
and darker at the end ; buttocks red and naked. 

The Baboon inhabits the hottest parts of Africa ; feeds 
on fruits, roots, and other vegetables. — Numerous troops 
sometimes make their appearance, plundering gardens 
and cultivated grounds. They are extremely dexterous 
in throwing the fruit from one to another, and by this 
means will do incredible damage in a very short time. 

The female brings forth only one young at a time, 
which she carries in her arms, and suckles at her breast. 
' — Notwithstanding its libidinous disposition, it will not 
breed in temperate climates. 




Ff 4 



45^ HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




THE RIBBED-MOSE BABOON. 

(Simia Maimon, Lin. — Le Mandrill, BufF.) 

This singular creature is no less remarkable for its 
great size and strength, than for the variety of beautiful 
colours on different parts of its body. Its nose is marked 
Avith broad ribs on each side, of a fine violet-blue colour : 
A vermilion line begins a little above the eyes ; and, run- 
ning down on each side of the nose, which is somewhat 
similar to that of a Hog, spreads over the tip of it : The 
insides of the ears are blue, which gradually softens to a 
purple, and terminates in vermilion ; the rump is also of 
a vermilion colour ; and the beautiful colours on the hips 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 457 

are gradations from red to blue ; the hair on the fore- 
head IS long, turns back, and forms a kind of pointed 
crest ; its beard is dark at the roots, orange at the mid- 
dle, and yellow at the end ; the back and legs are cover- 
ed with short hair, of a dark-brown colour, mixed with 
yellow, — the breast and belly with long whitish hair, 
speckled with small dark spots ; its tail short and hairy, 
nails flat, feet and hands black and naked. 

One of this kind was exhibited about twelve years ago 
in the North of England. It was five feet high, ex- 
tremely fierce, libidinous, and strong. At the sight of 
women, it discovered marks of the most violent passion : 
It once caught hold of a lady, who was so incautious as 
to approach too near it ; and she was with some difficulty 
rescued by the interference of the keeper. Its voice was 
strong and harsh, not unlike the ordinary growl of the 
Lion, It generally went upon its four feet, unless obli- 
ged by its keeper to stand erect. Its most usual atti- 
tude was sitting on its rump, with its arms placed before 
it. 

This creature inhabits the hottest parts of Africa. 

Schreber says, it lives on succulent fruits and nuts, is 
fond of eggs, will put eight at once into its pouches, 
then take them out one by one, break then! at the end, 
and swallow the contents. 

Our representation of this animal was done from a 
drawing in the possession of the Rev. Mr. Egerton, taken 
from the life by an eminent painter. 



458 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




THE SMALL RIBBED-MOSE BABOOJf. 



Th e annexed cut was done from the living animal, in 
the possession of Mr. Rayne, surgeon, in Newcastle. 

It is about fifteen inches in height ; its face flat, of a 
fine blue colour ; eyes bright hazel ; the cheeks marked 
with small ribs, bounded with thick bushy hair, of a 
greenish colour, finely speckled with black ; the hair on 
the forehead is very long, and runs up to a point on the 
top of the shoulders ; the muzzle is thick, and furnished 
with short hair, thinly scattered on each side ; it has a 
short thin beaixl, ending in a point, which is of an orange 
colour ; the hair on the body is dark brown, mixed with 
shades of green on the back and sides, — the haunches 
dusky ; the ears are small, naked, and pointed ; the tail 
short and hairy ; the buttocks bare, and of a red fiesh- co- 
lour ; hands and feet naked : It has cheek pouches ; feeds 
on fruits, nuts, roots, and other vegetables. Jt is lively 
and playful, walks commonly on all four, is in continual 

motion, and leaps with astonishing agility. This spe* 

cies is said to come from the coast of Guinea. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 459 




THE PIG-TAILED BABOOM, 

(Simla Nemestrina^ Lin. — Le Maimon, Bii^,) 

So termed from its short, naked, pig-like tail, is the least 
of all the Baboon kind ; a gentle, mild, and tractable 
animal ; very lively and frolicsome, but has none of that 
impudent petulance so peculiar to most of its species. — 
Its muzzle is large and thick ; face and ears naked, and 
of a flesh colour ; the hair on the head and back is of a 
deep olive, palest on the belly ; it has hazel eyes, cheek 
pouches, callosities on the buttocks, which ai^e naked, 

and of a red colour. It is a native of Sumatra and 

Japan. 

One of this kind was shewn in the North in 1788, 
from which this drawing was made. 

It is a curious circumstance, that not only this, but 
every animal of the Baboon and Monkey kind we have 
yet seen, have shewn a remarkable greediness for tobac- 



460 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.' 

CO, mustard, and even snufF, which they eat without ex- 
pressing the smallest inconvenience, and always seem 
extremely desirous of more. 




THE DOG-FACED BABOOMy 

(Simia Hamadryas^ Lin.) 

Is distinguished by a longer tail than the rest of its kind : 
In this respect, it seems to bear some affinity to the Mon- 
key, and has been mentioned under that denomination 
by several naturalists. 

We may observe here, that, in tracing the progress of 
animated Nature, we are led, by the most imperceptible 
gradations, from one kind to another : The line of sepa- 
ration seems so faintly drawn, that we ai'e frequently at 
a loss how to fix the boundaries of one class, without en- 
croaching upon those of another ; and, notwithstanding 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 46I 

the regularity and order which every where prevail a- 
mong the numerous families that inhabit the earth, the 
best and most approved systems of arrangement fall infi- 
nitely short of precision : They serve, indeed, to direct 
us to the general characters which form the distinguish- 
ing features of each genus, but are very inadequate to 
discriminate the intermingled shades and nice touches by 
which all are diversified. 

The drawing of this animal was taken from one shewn 
in London under the name of the Persian Savage. — - 
Its head was large ; muzzle long and thick ; eyes small ; 
face naked, and of an olive colour ; the hair on its fore- 
head separated in the middle, and hung down on each 
side of the face, from thence down its back as far as its 
waist ; it was long and shaggy, of a blueish-gray colour, 
freckled with dark spots ; the hair on the lower part of 
the body short ; its buttocks bare and red. 

That described by Mr. Pennant, which seems to agree 
with this, is represented as very fierce and untractable. 

It inhabits the hottest parts of Africa and Asia, lives in 
troops, and commits great depredations in gardens and 
cultivated grounds ; is above five feet high, exceedingly 
strong, vicious, and impudent. 

THE URSINE BABOON, 

Is not unlike the last, but rather less. Its nose is long ; 
head large ; ears short ; forhead high and prominent, 
terminating in a ridge ; the body thick and strong, co- 
vered with long dusky hair, which gives it the appear- 
ance of a youi\g Bear ; its tail is half the length of the 
body, buttocks red. 



463 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

This animal is very numerous about the Cape of Good 
Hope. — Troops of them assemble together, and make ex- 
peditions for the sake of plunder, in which they observe 
the utmost precaution. To prevent surprise, they place 
a centinel, which upon sight of man, gives a loud yell ; 
when the whole troop retreats with the greatest precipi- 
tation. It is highly entertaining to see the females car- 
rying off their young ones clinging to the backs ; whilst 
their pouches are crammed so full of fruit, that they 
seem ready to burst. They sometimes form a line, and 
throw the fruit from one to another, in order to carry it 
off the more expeditiously. 

THE IVANDEROU, 

Is a native of Ceylon and the East- Indies. — Its head is 
thick and long, and suri'ounded with a large quantity of 
white hair, which falls down below the chin, forming a 
roughs shaggy beard ; the rest of the body is covered 
with a dark-brov.Ti coat, almost black. Like all ani- 
mals of this kind, it is wild and vicious; but when 
taken young, may easily be tamed ; and appears to be 
more susceptible of education than other Baboons. 

There ai'e several varieties of this species. — The bodies 
of some are black with white beaids ; in others, the bo- 
dy is whitish, and the beard black ; Some are found en- 
tirely white ; but this species is extremely rare, and is 
said to be stronger and more mischievous than the others. 

These beai'ded Baboons ai'e much esteemed for the 
gravity of their appeaiT^nce ; and are used by the Indians 
in their ceremonies and shows, in which they are said to 
acquit themsehvcs to the admiration oftlie spectators. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 4^3 

THE HARE-LIPPED MONKET, 

(Simia Ci/nomolgiis, Lin. — Le Macaque, BufF.) 

We have placed this animal next to the Baboons, be- 
cause it makes the nearest approach to them in the form 
of its body, which is short and thick : Its head and muz- 
zle are large ; its visage ugly, naked, and wrinkled ; and 
its nostrils divided, like those of a Hare : Its tail, how- 
ever, is long, like that of a Monkey : The colour of the 
hair on the upper part of the body is a greenish- ash, 
lighter on the breast and belly. 

There are several varieties, which differ both in size 
and colour. 

This animal is found in Guiana, Congo, and some of 
the southern parts of Africa. — They go in troops, and do 
infinite mischief to plantations of millet, which they car- 
ry off under their arms and in their mouths. They arc 
extremely nice and delicate in their choice; and, by pul- 
ling up what does not please them, do more damage than 
b}' what they really eat. 

THE PATAS, OR RED MONKET, 

Is nearly of the same size with the last, and inhabits the 
same country ; its body is, however, rather longer, its 
face less hideous, and its hair more beautiful. It is re- 
markable for the brilliancy of its coat, which is of so 
bright a red, as to have the appearance of being painted. 

There are two varieties of this kind : The one is dis^ 
tinguished by a black line above the eyes, extending from 



4^4 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

ear to ear ; in the other, the line is white. Both have 
long hair under the chin, and round the cheeks ; which 
in the first is yellow, and in the second wliite : The nose 
is black ; the under part of the body of an ash colour, 
tin,^ed with }^ellow. 

These Monkies are very numerous on the banks of the 
river Senegal. They are so curious, as sometimes to de- 
scend from the tops of trees to the extremities of the 
branches, while boats ai'e passing, and seem to observe 
them with great attention. If not disturbed, their fami- 
liai'ity becomes troublesome : They break off branches, 
throw them at the passengers, and frequently with so sure 
an aim, as to annoy them not a little ; but, upon being 
shot at, they set up most hideous cries, endeavour to re- 
venge themselves by collecting more offensive materials, 
such as stones, dirt, ccc. v\'hich they throv/ at the enemy, 
and soon retire. 

Trctvellers relate that, in Guinea, Monkies are fre- 
quently seen together in troops of forty or fifty, plun- 
dering gardens and fields of corn with great boldness. 
One of them stands on a tree, listens, and looks about 
on all sides, while the rest ai'e busy. Upon the least ap- 
pearance of interruption, he sets up a loud cry to alarm 
the party ; when they immediately fly off with the booty 
they have collected, leaping from tree to tree with prodi- 
o'ious ao'iiitv. 




HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 4^5 



THE CHINESE BONNET MONKET, 

Appears to be only a variety of the Malbrouck : The 
principal difference consists in its having the hair on its 
head disposed in the form of a fiat bonnet, from which 
its name has been derived. It inhabits the same country, 
and lives in the same manner. 

When fruits and succulent plants fail, these ani- 
mals are said to eat insects, and sometimes watch by the 
sea -side for crabs and other shell-fish, which they are ve- 
ry dexterous in catching. 

They are never thoroughly tamed, and cannot be trust- 
ed without a chain. — They do not breed when in a state 
of confinement, even in their own country ; but require 
to be at perfect freedom in their native woods. 

THE MANGABEZ 

(Simia Mthlops^ Lin.) 

Is distinguished from all other Monkies by a very remark- 
able character. Its eye-lids are naked, of a pure white 
colour ; and round each eye there is a prominent ring : 
The hair on the head and body is of a yellowish-brown 
colour ; that on the belly white. Some of them have a 
broad collar of ^vhite hair surrounding their neck and 
iiice. 



Ci g 



4^6 HISTORY 6F gUADRU^EDS. 




THE GREEM MOJVKET, 

(Simia Sabcea, Lin. — Le Callitriche, Buff.) 

So Galled from its beautiful hair, which, on the upper 
part of the body and tail, is of a fine green colour; the 
throat, belly, and under side of the limbs are of a silvery 
whiteness : The tail is eighteen inches long, length of 
the body thirteen^ height eight and a halL 

It is common in the Cape de Verd islands and the 
East- Indies, and is also found in Mauritania^ and in the 
territories of ancient Carthage* Hence it is probable, 
says M. Buffon, that it was known to the Greeks and 
Romans, and that it was one of those long- tailed Mon- 
kies to which they gave the general name of Callitrix. 

It seems to be the same kind as that mentioned by 
Adanson ; who relates that the woods of Podor, along 
the river Niger, are full of Green Apes, which, from 
their colour, are scarcely discernible among the branches 
of the trees where they live. 

The animal from which the above was taken was a 
female in the possession of William Hargrave, Esq. of 
Shawdon. 



HISTORY OF eUADRUPi:DSi 46t 

THE MUSTACHE, 

(Simia Cephiis, Lin.-— Z^ Moustac, BufF.) 

Is a beautiful little animal, having a tuft of yellow hair 
on each cheek, and another on the top of the head, 
which is long and upright ; Its face is of a bluish colour^ 
body of a greenish ash, breast and belly lighter* Its 
length is only one foot ; that of the tail eighteen inches* 
—It is a native of Guinea. 

THE TALAPOIN, 

Is a native of the East-Indies, where it is suffered to mill- 
tiply without molestation, owing to the religious supersti^ 
tion of the Bramins, which forbids them to take the life 
of any kind of animal whatever. They are so tame and 
familiar, that numbers of them frequently come into 
their towns, enter the houses and if not prevented, help 
themselves to whatever they meet with that is agreeable 
to them ; such as fruits, sweetmeats, Sec. 

The Talapoin is about twelve inches long : Its head is 
round ; ears black and shaped like the human ; eyes of 
ii bright hazel colour, with black pupils ; the hair on the 
back, upper part of the body, and limbs, of a dusky yel- 
low, tinged with green ; the belly lighter ; its tail very 
long, slender, and of an olive colour. 



Gg2 



46S HISTORY OF gUAD'RUPEDI?. 




THE VARIED MOJSTKET, OR MOMA, 

(La Money BiifF.) 

Is best known of all the Monkey tribe, being morefre- 
quently brought into Europe than any other. — — It is a 
native of Bai^bary and other northern parts of Africa, 
Arabia, and Persia; where it is called the Mona, from 
which our general term is derived. 

Its nose is short and thick ; its face of a dark lead co- 
lour ; the beard on each side long, and of a greenish-yel- 
low ; the top of the head is bright yellow, freckled with 
black ; back and sides deep brown, with black freckles ; 
legs, feet, and tail black ; inside of the thighs of a pale 
blue colour, thinly covered with whitish hairs ; and on 
each side of the rump, close by the tail, is a large white 
spot. 

The drawing and description were taken from the liv- 
ing animal, in the possession of Robert Hedley, Esq. of 
Newcastle. It was remarkable gentle, tam.e, and fami- 
liar ; and seemed to have some attachment to those with 
whom it was acquainted. Its length was eighteen inch- 
es ; tail about two feet. It was fed with bread, roasted 
meat, and fruit of all kinds, of which it was particularly 
fond. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 4^9 

All the Baboons and Monkies we have yet described, 
are furnished with cheek-pouches, capable of containing 
food sufficient to supply them for a day or two ; They 
also serve as receptacles for whatever they obtain more 
than supplies their present wants. But we have thought 
it unnecessary to repeat this circumstance in the account 
of every animal of those kinds. 

THE DOUC, 

Differs from other Monkies, in having no callosities on 
its buttocks, which are entirely covered with hair ; it is 
also much larger, being nearly four feet high when erect. 
Its face is short and rather flat, furnished on each side 
with long hairs of a pale yellow colour ; its body is 
beautifully variegated with differently coloured hair; 
round the neck there is a collar of a bluish-purple co- 
lour ; the top of the head and body are gray ; breast and 
belly yellow ; arms white below, and black above ; tail 
white ; feet black ; face and ears red : lips black ; and 

round each eye there is a black ring. It is found in 

Cochin-China, and in the island of Madagascar ; where 
it is called the Sifac. 

M. Buffon places the Douc in the last class of those 
animals of the Monkey kind that belong to the old conti- 
nent, and describes it as forming a shade between them 
and the Monkies of America, which he distinguishes by 
the generic names ofSAPAjous and S a g o i n s . — They 
both of them differ from Monkies, in having neither 
cheek-pouches nor callosities on their buttocks ; and they 
are distinguished from each other by chiu'acters peculiar 

Gg3 ' 



470 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

to each. The Sapajou is furnished with a prehensile tail, 
the under part of which is generally covered with a 
smooth naked skin : the animal can coil it up or extend 
it at pleasure, suspend itself by its extremity on the 
branches of trees ; or use it as a hand to lay hold of any 
thing it wants. The tails of all the Sagoins, on the con- 
trary, are longer than those of the Sapajous, straight, 
flaccid J and entirely covered with hair. — This difference 
alone is sufficient to distinguish a Sapajou from a Sagoin. 
We nov/ proceed to the history and description of the 
most remarkable of this numerous race, 

THE PREACHER, 

(Simla Beelzebub, hin.^—L'Ouari?ie, Buff.) 

Is the largest of all the American Monkies, being about 
the size of a large Fox. Its body is covered with long 
smooth hair, of a shining black colour, forming a kind of 
ruff round the animal's neck ; Its tail is long, and always 
twisted at the end. 

Great numbers of these Monkies inhabit the w^oods of 
Brazil and Guinea ; and, from the noise they make, are 
cailtd How li?2g Monkies, Several of them assemble toge- 
ther ; and, placing themselves in a kind of regular order, 
one of them begins first with a loud tone, which may be 
heard to a great distance ; the rest soon join in a general 
chorus, the most dissonant and tremendous that can be 
conceived : On a sudden they all stop except the first, 
who finishes singly ; and the assembly breaks up. 

These Monkies are said to be very fierce, and so wild 
and mischevious, that they can neither be conquered nor 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 471 

tallied. — They feed on fruits, grain, herbs, and some- 
times insects; live in trees, and leap from bough to 
jbough with wonderful agility, catching hold with their 
hands and tails as they throw themselves from on,e 
branch to another, and maintain themselves so firmly, 
that, even when shot, they reniain fixed? to the trees 
where they die. 

The Hesh of the Preacher is good ; and is not only 
^aten by the natives, but also by Europeans wlio frgqueni; 
those parts. 

THE CO A IT A, 

Is somewhat less than the Preacher. Its face is naked 
and red ; ears short ; its body and limbs are long and 
slender ; hair black and rough ; tail long, and naked on 
the under side. 

This animal is found in the neighbourhood of Car- 
thagena^ in Guiana, Brazil, and Peru. -—Great numbers 
associate together. They seldom appear on the ground, 
But Hv€ mostly in trees, and feed on fruits : When these 
are not to be had, they are said to eat fishes, worms, and 
insects ; are extremely dexterous in catching their prey, 
and make great use of their tails in seizing it. 

The Coaitas are very lively and active. — In passing 
from one tree to another, they sometimes form a chain, 
linked to each other by their tails ; and swing in that 
manner till the lowest catches hold of a branch, and 
draws up the rest. — When fruits are ripe, they are ge- 
i^erally fat : and their flesh is then said to be excellent. 
There ar^ many varieties of the Coaita, a\ hich differ 

G g 4 



47^ HISTORY OF OUADRUPEDS. 

chiefly in colour. Some are totally black, others brown, 
and some have white hair on the under parts of the body. 
—They are called Spider Monkies by Edwai'ds, on ac- 
count of the length and slenderness of their legs and tails. 
M, BufFon supposes the Exc^uima to be another va- 
riety of this species. It is nearly of the same size ; but 
its colour is variegated. The hair on its back is black 
and yellow; its throat and belly white. — -Its manner of 
living is the same with that of the Coaita ; and it inha- 
bits the same countries.^ — Both kinds are remai'kable in 
having only four lingers on each hand, being quite desti- 
tute of the thum.b. 

THE SJJOU, OR CAPUCIN, 

(Simla Capvxina, Lin. — Le Sai, Buff.) 

Tpiere are two varieties of this species, — the Brown 
and the Gray ; which, in other respects, are perfectly 
similar. Their faces are of a flesh colour, thinly covered 
with down ; tails long, full of hair on the upper side, 
naked below, and prehensile ; hands black and naked ; 
length of the body about twelve inches. 

These animals inhabit Guiana, are extremely lively 
and agile, and their constitution seems better adapted to 
the temperate climates of Europe than most of the Sapa- 
joukind. M. Buffon mentions a few instances of their 
having produced in France. 

The Sajou are very capricious in their attachments, 
being fond of particular persons, and discovering the 
greatest aversion to dthers. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 473 

THE fVEEPER, 

(Simla Apella, Lin,) 

Inhabits Brazil ; is very mild, docile, and timid; of a 
grave and serious aspect ; has an appearance of weeping ; 
and, when irritated, makes a plaintive noise. — It is about 
fourteen inches long ; the tail longer than the body ; hair 
on the back and sides of a deep brown colour, mixed 
with red on the lower parts. — There is a variety with 
white hair on the throat and breast. 

Great numbers of these creatures assemble together, 
particulai'ly in stormy weather ; and make a great chat- 
tering. — They live much in trees, which bear a podded 
fruit as large as beans, on which they principally feed. 

THE ORANGE MONKEY, 

(Simla Sciiireay Lin. — Le Saimiri, Buff.) 

Is a most beautiful animal; but so extremely delicate, 
that it cannot well bear to be brought from its own cli- 
mate to one less warm and temperate. 

It is about the size of a Squirrel : Its head is round ; 
eyes remarkably lively and brilliant ; earslai'gc ; hair on 
the body short and fine, of a shining gold colour ; feet 
orange ; its tail is very long : Its prehensile faculty is 
much weaker than the rest of the Sapajous ; and, on that 
account, it may be said to form a shade between them 
and the Sagoins, which have long tails, entirely covered 
with hair, but of no use in suspending their bodies from 
the branches of trees. 



474 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

THE FOX-r AILED MONKET. 
{ Simla Pithecia, Lin.— Zt Saki, Buff.) 

The tail of this aiiimal, like that of the Fox, is cover- 
ed with long bushy hair. Its body is about seventeen 
inches in length ; hair long, of a darkrbrown colour on 
the back, lighter on the under side ; its face is tawny^ 
and covered with a fine short whitish down ; the fore- 
head and sides of the face are white ; its hands and feet 
are black, with claws instead of nails. 

The Saki is a native of Guiana, where it is called the 
Saccazvinkee. 

THE GREAT EARED MONKET, 

(Simla Midas, Lin. — Le Tamarln^ Buff.) 

Is about the size of a Squirrel : Its face is naked, of a 
swarthy flesh colour ; its upper lip somewhat divided ; its 
ears are veiy large and erect ; its hair is soft, shaggy, 
and of a black colour; hands and feet covered with 
orange -coloured han-, very fine and smooth; its nails 
long and crooked ; tail black , and twice the length of it^ 
body . 

It inhabits the hotter parts of South- America ; is a 
lively, pleasant animal ; easily tamed ; but so delicate, 
^mt it cannot bear a removal to a less temperate climate^ 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



47^ 




THE STRIATED MOMKET. 



(Simla lacchusy ]Jm,~LOuistiti, Buff.) 

Is still smaller than the Greats eared Monkey, its head 
and body not exceeding twelve inches in length : Its tail 
is long, bushy, and, like that of the Macau co, marked 
with alternate rings of black and ash colour ; its face is 
naked, of a swarthy flesh colour ; ears lai'ge and like the 
human ; body beautifully marked with dusky, 'ash-co^ 
loured, and reddish bai's ; its nails are sharp ; and its 
fingers like those of a Squirrel. 

It inhabits Brazil; feeds on fruits, vegetables, insect§^ 
and snails, and is fond of fish. 

Mr. Edwards gives a description of one of these ani- 
mals, accompanied with an excellent figure. — He says, 
that, one day being at liberty, it darted upon a small 
gold-fish that was in a bason, which it killed and devour- 
ed with avidity; and that afterwards small eels were 
given to it, of which it seemed at first afraid, from their 



47^ HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

twisting themselves round its neck ; but that it soon over- 
came ?did eat them. — He likemse says that it produced 
3^oung ones in Portugal, which at first were extremely 
ugly having hardly any hair on their bodies. They ad- 
hered closely to the teats of the mother ; and, when 
grown a little larger,, fixed themselves upon her back, 
from whence she could not easily disengage them, with- 
out rubbing them off against a wall : Upon these occa- 
sions, the male always allowed them to mount upon his 
back to relieve the female. 

THE SILKY MONKEY, 

{Simla Rosalia, Lin. — Le Marikina^'Bu^.) 

Is bv some called the Lion- Ape, from the quantity of 
liair vdiich surrounds its face, falling backwards like a 
mane : its tail is also somewhat bushy at the end : Its 
fcice is flat, and of a dull purple colour ; its hair long, 
bris:lit, and silky ; it is of a pale yellow colour on the 
bodv ; the hair rrjund the face of a bright bay, inclining 
lo red , its hands and feet are without hair, and of the 
same colour as the face , its body is ten inches long, tail 
iliirteen. 

This creature is a native of Guiana, is very gentle and 
lively, and seems to be more hardy than the other Sa- 
g-oins. — 'BuiFon says, tha.t one of them lived at Paris seve- 
ral years., Vvdth no other precaution than keeping it in a 
warm room during winter. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 47T 




THE RED-TAILED MOJVKET, 

(Simia Oedipus , hin, — Le Pwche^BuK) 

Is somewhat larger than the Striated Monkey. — It is re- 
markable in having a great quantity of smooth white hair, 
which falls down from the top of the head on each side, 
forming a curious contrast with its face, which is black, 
thinly covered with a line gray down : Its eyes are black 
and lively ; throat black ; hair on the back and shoulders 
of a light reddish-brown colour ; breast, belly, and legs, 
white ; the tail is long, of a red colour from the rump to 
the middle ; from thence to the end it is black. 

It inhabits the woods on the banks of the ri^ er A- 
mazon ; is a lively, beautiful little animal ; has a soft 
whistling voice, resembling more the chirping of a bird 
than the cry of a quadruped. — It frequently walks with 
its long tail over its back. 



47^ HISTORY OF gUADRUPEDS; 




THE MICO, OR FAIR MO'JfKET, 

Is the last that we shall describe of this numerous race, 
and is the most beautiful of them all. — Its head is small 
and round ; face and ears of so lively a vermilion colour, 
as to appear the effect of art ; its body is covered with 
long hair, of a bright silveiy whiteness, and uncommon 
elegance ; tail long, end of a shining dark chestnut colour. 

It frequents the banks of the river Amazon, where 
It was discovered by M. Condamine, who preserved one 
^live till almost within sight of the French coast ; but it 
died before his arrival. 

We have now laid before our readers a few of the 
most noted varieties of this numerous race : Many others 
might likewise be added to swell the account ; but of 
these, little more is known than their name's and places 
of habitation. There are, probably, still more, which 
neither the assiduity of the naturalist, nor the curiosity of 
the traveller, have been able to draw from their native 
woods. Indeed, there is great room to conjecture, that 
the variations of the Monkev kind are somewhat like 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 47,9 

those of the Dog, continually encreasing ; for it is very 
obvious, that among the smaller kind of Monkies, the 
characteristic diiFerences do not appear to be great, how- 
ever they may vary in size or in colour ; and it is certain, 
that the modes of living, faculties, and propensities of 
these animals, are strikingly similar : So that, if we rea- 
son from analogy on that subject, we may fairly con- 
clude, that different kinds of Monkies may unite and 
propagate with the same facility as the Goat and the 
sheep^ or the almost innumerable kinds of Dogs. 

The greater part of the cuts v/e have given of the Ba* 
boons. Apes, and Monkies, v/e were fortunate in pro- 
curing from living objects, or drawings which might be 
depended on : And it is to be lamented, that, amongst 
the numbers that have been published, so few should pos- 
sess that peculiar character so observable in the various 
members of this imitative tribe, v/hich is wholly im- 
possible to trace from a stuffed skin, void of every kind of 
expression ; the muscular parts, which should convey the 
idea of action, being generally ill supplied, or entirely 



wanting. 




480 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 




THE PORCUPINE. 

(Histrix Cristata, Lin.— Ze Fore-epic^ Buff.) 

This animal, so formidable in its appeai'ance, would 
be much more truly so, if it possessed the power, erro- 
neously ascribed to it, of darting its quills at its enemies, 
and wounding them at a distance. 

Though denied the privilege of making offensive war, 
it is sufficiently armed to resist the attacks of animals 
much more powerful than itself. — Upon the smallest irri- 
tation, it raises its quills, and shakes them with great vio- 
lence, directing them to that quarter from whence it is 
in danger of being attacked, and striking at the object of 
its resentment with its quills at the same time. We have 
observed, on an occasion of this sort, at a time when 
the animal was moulting or casting its quills, that they 
would Hy out, to the distance of a few yards, with such 
force, as to bend the points of them against the boai^d 
were they struck : and it is not improbable, that a cir- 
cumstance of this kind may have given rise to an opinion 
of its power to use them in a more effectual manner. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 48 1 

The largest of the quills are from ten to fifteen inches 
in length, thick in the middle, and extremely sharp at 
the end ; Between the quills the hair is thin, black, and 
bristly : The tail is covered with white quills, which are 
short and transparent ; Its legs are short ; it has four 
toes before, and five behind. 

The Porcupine is found in India, Persia, and Pales- 
tine : It is likewise common in all parts of Africa. — The 
Indians hunt it for its quills, of which they make a kind 
of embroidery : They also eat its fiesh. 

There are Porcupines in a wild state in Spain and 
Italy, though they are not originally natives of any part 
of Europe. Their flesh is sometimes exposed in the mar- 
kets at Rome, where it is eaten. 

The Italian Porcupines have shorter quills and a short- 
er crest than those of Asia or Africa. 

The Porcupine is an inoffensive animal ; lives on 
fruits, roots, and vegetables ; sleeps during the day, and 
feeds by night. 

The female goes with young seven months, and brings 

forth one at a time. -The drawing of this animal was 

made from the life. 




Hh 



482 



HISTORY OF SVADRUPEDS^ 




THE BRAZILMJf- PORCUPIJTE, 

(Histrix Preheiisilis, Lin.) 

Differs so greatly from the last, that it can scarcely be 
said to bear any relation to it, except in its being cover- 
ed with spines about three inches in length : They are 
white, very sharp, and have a bar of black neaxthe 
points. The breast, belly, and lower part of the legs> 
are covered with strong bristly hairs of a brown colour, 
Its tail is long and slender, and almost naked at the end i 
The animal uses it in descending trees, by twisting it 
round the branches. 

It inhabits Mexico and Brazil, lives in woods,, and 
feeds on fruits and small birds. It preys by night, and 
sleeps in the day. It makes a noise like the grunting of 
a Swine, and grows very fat. — Its flesh is white, and 
esteemed good to eat. 



HIStORY OF QUADRUPEDS; 483 




THE CAM AD A PORCUPIJVE. 
(Histrix DorsatUy Lin* — UUrsoUy Buff.) 

It is found in Canada, and various parts of Nortlx- 
America as high as Hudson's Bay. 

Its ears are short, and hid in the hair ; its head, body, 
and upper part of its tail, are covered with long soft 
hair, in which are interspersed a number of strong sharp 
spines ; its tail is shorter than that of the preceeding spe- 
cies, and it uses it in the same manner in descending 
trees, frequently suspending itself from the branches. 

Many of the trading Indians, during their long excur- 
sions, depend on this creature for a supply of food, and 
esteem it both wholesome and pleasant : They also make 
use of the quills to trim the edges of their deer-skin ha- 
bits, so as to look like fringe ; and stick them in tlieir 
noses and ears to make holes for their rings. 



Hh2 



484 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




THE HEDGE-HOG OR URCHIN. 
(Erinaceus Eiiropeus, Lin. — Le Herisson, Buff.) 

This animal, destitute of every other means of defencCy 
is provided by Nature with a spinous ai'mour, which se- 
cures it from the attacks of all the smaller beast of prey ; 
such as Weasels, Martins, Polecats^ &c. -When alarmed, 
it immediately collects itself into the form of a ball, and 
presents on all sides a surface covered with sharp points, 
•\vhich few animals are hai^dy enough to engage. The 
more it is harassed, the closer it roBs itself ; till its fears- 
become an additional means of safety, by causing it to 
void its urine, v/hich, running over its whole body, fre- 
quently obligesits enemy to desist, disgusted by the smell. 

There aix few^ Does that will venture to attack the 
Hedge-hog, except such as are trained to the sport, 
merely to gratify the cruel pleasure of seeing a harmless 
animal endure with astonishing patience, the most wan- 
ton outrages ; v hilst, the Dogs^ becoming more enraged 
at the wounds they receive from its prickles, at last 
oblige it to unfold itself, and it then soon falls a victim 
to their furv. -This little animal has been so far do- 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 465 

mesticatcd, ss to learn to turn a spit by means of a small 
wheel in which it was placed ; it likewise answered to 
its name. 

The Hedge-hog generally resides in small thickets and 
hedges ; lives on fruits, worms, beetles, and all kinds of 
insects ; conceals itself in the day, and feeds during the 
night. — It is easily taken, for it neither fli€s nor attempts 
to defend itself ; but, when touched, shrinks into its cir- 
cular form, which it will not easily quit, unless thrown 
into water. 

The Hedge-hog, in the winter, wraps itself up in a 
warm nest, made of moss, dried grass, and leaves ; and 
sleeps out the rigours of that season. It is frequently 
found so completely enriched with herbage on all sides, 
that it resembles a ball of dried leaves. When taken out 
and placed before a fire, it soon recovers from its torpid 
state. 




THE TEMDRAC, 

Is about the size of a Rat. The upper part of its body 
is covered with spines, shorter and smaller than those of 
the Hedge-hog which it somewhat resembles, but does 
not roll itself up like that animal ; the rest of the body is 
covered with a kind of fine hard hair, of a whitish co- 

Hh3 



486 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

lour ; about the head and nose it has several long hairs, 

like whiskers. 

An animal similar to this is mentioned by M. Buffonp 
under the name of the Tanrec. 







THE TANREC, 



Th I s animal is lai'ger than the last, and has fewer bris- 
tles ; They only occupy the top of the head, and along 
the back, as far as the shoulders : The rest of the body 
is covered with a bristly kind of hair, of a yellowish co- 
lour, among which are intermixed some black hairs, 
much longer than the other. Its nose is long, and its 
eai^s more apparent than those of the Tendrac. 

Both of them are natives of India. These make 

a grunting noise, and are fond of wallowing in mud, like 
Hogs : They frequent the banks of rivers, can live a long 
time in the water, and are frequently caught in small in- 
lets of the sea ; They dig holes in the ground, where 
they continue in a kind of torpid state for several months, 
— They ai'e generally very fat ; and the Indians eat their 
flesh, though it is reckoned insipid and stringy. 



HISTORY OF QUAE^UPEDS. 4^7 




THE OTTER, 
(MustelaLutray Lin.— -Z^ Loutre, Buff.) 

Although the Otter is not considered by naturalists 
as wholly amphibious, it is nevertheless capable of re- 
maining a considerable time under water, and can pur- 
sue and take its prey in that element with great facility. 

Its legs are very short, but remarkably strong, broad, 
and muscular : on each foot are five toes, connected by 
strong membranes, like those of a Avater fowl ; its head is 
broad, of an oval form, and flat on the upper part ; the 
body is long and round, and the tail tapers to a point; 
the eyes are brilliant, and placed in such a manner, that 
the animal can see every object that is above it, which 
gives it a singular aspect, very much resembling an eel or 
an asp ; the ears are short, an^il their orifice niu-row. 

The fur of the Otter is of a dcep-browTi colour, ^vitk 

Hh4 



488 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

two small light spots on each side of the nose, and ano- 
ther under the chin. 

This animal makes its nest in some retired «pot by the 
side of a lake or river, under a bank, where it has an 
easy and secure access to the water, to which it immedi- 
ately flies upon the least alarm ; and, as it swims with 
great rapidity, frequently escapes from its pursuers. 

It destroys great quantities of fish ; and, in pursuit of 
its prey, has been observed commonly to swim against 
the stream. 

As coon as the Otter has caught a fish, it immediately 
drags it to the shore ; devours a part as far as the vent ; 
and, unless pressed by extreme hunger, always leaves the 
remainder, and takes to the water in quest of more. 

Otters are sometimes taken in traps placed near their 
landing places, where they are carefully concealed in the 
sand.— When hunted with Dogs, the old ones defend 
themselves v\^ith great obstinacy ; They bite severely, and 
do not readily quit their hold where they have once fas- 
tened. An old Otter will never give up while it has 
life ; nor make the least complaint, though wounded 
ever so much by the Dogs, nor even when transfixed 
widi a speai'. 

There ai^e many instances of Otters being tamed ; but 
in those which have come to our knowledge, they were 
taken when young ; accustomed by degrees to obedience 
and restraint, tlie}^ became so far domesticated, as to fol- 
low their master, ansv^er to a name, and employ their 
excellent talents^at fishinp; in his service. 

Otters, when taken young, may be easily reared and 
made tame. — We have seen two young ones sucking a 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 489 

Bitch and treated by her with as much tenderness as her 
own offspring. 

WilhamCollins, of Kimmerston, nearWhooler, had a 
tame Otter, which followed him wherever he went. He 
frequently carried it to fish in the river ; and when sati- 
ated it never failed returning to its master. One day, 
in the absence of Collins, being taken oat by his son to 
fish, instead of returning as usual, it refused to come at 
the accustomed call, and was lost. The father tried eve- 
ry means to recover it ; and after several days search, be- 
ing near the place where his son had lost it, and calling 
it by its name, to his inexpressible joy, it came creeping 
to his feet, and shewed many genuine marks of affection 
and firm attachment. — Its food, exclusive offith, consist- 
ed chiefly of milk and hasty-pudding. 

Some years ago, James Campbell, near Inverness, had 
a young Otter, v/hich he brought up and tamed. It 
would follow him wherever he chose ; and, if called on 
by its name w^ould immediately obey. When apprehen- 
sive of danger from Dogs, it sought the protection of its 
master and would endeavour to ily into his aims for 
greater security. — It was frequently employed in catching- 
fish, and would sometimes take eight or ten salmon in a 
day. If not prevented, it always made an attempt to 
break the fish behind the fin next the tail : As soon as 
one was taken away, it immediately dived in pursuit of 
more. When tired, it would refuse to fish any longer ; 
and was then rewarded with so much fish as it could de- 
vour. Being satisfied with eating, it curled itself 
round, and fell asleep ; in \Ahich state it was generally 
carried home. The same Otter fished as well in he sea 
as iii a river, and took great numbers of codlings and 



4.90 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

Other fish. — Its food was generally fresh fish, and some- 
times milk. 

Another person, who kept a tame Otter, suffered it to 
follow him with his Dogs. It was very useful to him in 
fishing by going into the water, and driving trouts and 
other fish towards the net. — It was remarkable, that the 
Dogs, though accustomed to the sport, were so far from 
giving it the smallest molestation, that they would not 
even hunt an Otter whilst it remained with them ; on 
which account the owner was under the necessity of dis- 
posing of it. 

Notwithstanding the Otter's avidity for fish, it will not 
eat it, unless it be perfectly fresh. When that cannot be 
procured, it is fed with milk, or pudding made of oat- 
meal, &c. 

Otters are found in most parts of the world, with no 
great variation. — They are common in Guiana, and fre- 
quent the rivers and mai'shes of the country. They are 
sometimes seen in great numbers together; and are so 
fierce, that it is dangerous to come near them. They 
live in holes, which they make in the banks of the rivers. 




HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 



491 




THE SEA-OTTER. 



(Mustela Liitris, Lin.) 

Vast nuAibers of these animals inhabit the coasts of 
Kamschatka, and the numerous islands contiguous to it ; 
as well as the opposite coasts of America ; They are also 
found in some of the larger rivers of South- America. 

Their skins are of great value, cmd have long formed a 
considerable article of export from Russia. They disposje 
of them to the Chinese at the rate of seventy or a hun- 
dred rubles each, and receive in return some of their 
most valuable commodities. 

The fur of the Sea-Otter is thick and long, of a beau- 
tiful shining black colour, but sometimes of a silvery 
hue; the legs are thick and short ; the toes joined by a 
web ; the hind feet like those of a Seal ; length, from 
nose to tail, four feet two inches ; tail thirteen, flat, and 
pointed at the end. — The largest of them weigh from se- 
venty to eighty pounds. 
The Sea-Otter is remarkably hai*mless, and most aflfee- 



492 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

tionately fond of its young : It will pine to death for its 
loss, and die on the very spot where it has been taken 
away. Before its young can swim, it will carry it in its 
paws, and support it in the water, lying upon its back. 
— It swims in various positions', — on its back, sides, and 
even in perpendicular posture ; and in the water is very 
sportive. — Two of them are sometimes seen embracing 
each other. — It frequents shallow places, abounding with 
sea- weed; and feeds on lobsters, crabs, arid other shell- 
fish. 

It breeds but once a year, and produces one young at 
a time, which it suckles and carefully attends almost a 
year. 

The flesh of a young Otter is reckoned delicate eating, 
and not easily distinguished from that of a lamb. 




HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 495 




THE SLOTH] 
{Bra (fy pus, Tridactj/lia, h\n,—L^Ji\ Buff.) 

Of ail animals, is the most sluggish and inactive ; and, 
if we were to judge from outward appearance, would 
seem the most helpless and wretched. All its motions 
seem to be the effect of the most painful exertion, vvhicb 
hunger alone is capable of exciting. 

It lives chieiiy in trees ; and having ascended one witlv 
infinite labour and difficulty, it remains there till it lias 
entirely stripped it of all its verdure, sparing neither fmit 
blossom, nor leaf; after which it is said to devour even 
the bark. Being unable to descend, it throws itself on 
the eround, and continues at the bottom of the tree till 
hunger again compels it to rav^w its toils in search of 
subsistence. 

Its motions are accompanied with a most piteous and 
lamentable cry, which terrifies e% en beasts of prey, raid 
proves its best defence. 

Though slow, aukward, and almost incapable of mo- 
tion, the Sloth is strong, remarkably tenacious of life, 
and capable of enduring a long abstinence from food. 



494 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

We are told of one that, having fastened itself by its feet 
to a pole, remained in that situation forty days without 
the least sustenance. — The strength of its legs and feet is 
so great, that having seized any thing, it is almost im- 
posible to oblige it to quit its hold. The same animal 
laid hold of a Dog that was let loose upon it, and held 
him fast with its feet till he perished with hunger. 

There are two kinds of Sloths, which are principally 
distinguished by the number of their claws. — The one, 
called the Ai, is about the size of a Fox, and has three 
long claws on each foot : Its legs are clumsy, and auk- 
wardly placed ; and the fore legs being longer than the 
hind, add greatly to the difficulty of its progressive mo- 
tion : Its whole body is covered with a rough coat of 
long hair, of a lightish-brown colour, mixed with white, 
not unlike that of a Badger ; and has a black line down 
the middle of the back : Its face is naked, and of a dirty 
white colour ; tail short ; eyes small, black, and heavy. 
It is found only in South- America. 

The Un AU has only two claws on each foot t Its head 
is short and round, somewhat like that of a Monkey; its 
ears are short ; and it lias no tail. It is found in South- 
America, and also in the island of Ceylon. 

The flesh of both kinds are eaten. — They have several 
stomachs, and are said to belong to the tribe of rumi- 
nating animals. 




HISTORY OF gUADRUPEDI^. 



495 




THE AMT-EATER, 
(Myj^mecopliga Jiihata^ Lin. — Le Tamanoir, Buff. J 

There ar€ several animals distinguished by the com- 
mon name of Ant-eaters, which differ greatly in form* 
-—They are divided into three classes ; viz. the Great, 
the Middle, and the Lesser Ant-eater. 

The Great Ant-eater is nearly four feet in length , 
exclusive of its tail, which is two and a half. It is re- 
markable for the great length of its snout, which is of a 
cylindrical form, and serves as a sheath to its long and 
slender tongue, which always lies folded double in its 
mouth, and is the chief instrument by which it finds sub^ 
sistence. 

This creature is a native of Brazil and Guiana, mils, 
slowly, frecjuently swims over rivers, lives wholly o\\ 
ants, which it collects by thrusting its tongue into their 
holes, and having penetrated every part of the nest, >vith- 
draws it into its mouth loaded with prey. 



49^ HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

Its legs ai'e so strong, that fev»^ animals can extricate 
themselves from its gripe. It is said to be formidable 
even to the Panthers of America ; and sometimes fixes it- 
self upon them in such a manner, that both of them fall 
and perish togedier ; for its obstinacy is so great, that it 
will not extricate itself from its adversary even after he is 
dea.d. 

The flesh has a strong disagreeable taste, but is eaten 
by the Indians. 

The Middle Ant-eater is one foot seven inches 
from nose to tail. It inhabits the same countries, and 
procures its food in the same manner as the last: Its 
tail is ten inches long, with which it secures its hold in 
ciim_bing trees by twisting it round the branches. 

Both these animals have four strong claws on the fore 
feet, and five on the hind. 

The Lesser Ant-eater has a shai^ -pointed nose , 
inclining a little dowTiward : Its ears are small, and hid 
in the fur ; It has two strong hooked claws on the fore 
feet, the outward one being much the largest : and four 
on the hind feet: Its fur is long, soft, and silky, — of a 
3^ellowish-bro^vn colour : Its length, from nose to tail, is 
seven inches and a half; tail above eight, thick at the 
])ase, and taper to the end. — It inhabits Guiana; climbs 
trees inquest of a species of ants which build their nests 
among the branches. 

Animals of this kind are found in Ceylon and the 

Cape of Good Hope. Kolben describes the latter as 

having long heads and tongues ; that they feed on ants ; 
and are so strong, that if they fasten their claws in the 
ground, they cannot easily be pulled away. — It is called 
in Ceylon the Talgol, or Ant-Bcar. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



497 




THE GREAT MAJ/IS. 
(Manis Pentadactyla, Lin. — Le Pmigolltii BufF.) 

This singular animal is defended by a coat of mail, 
which protects it from the attacks of the most powerful 
animals. All the upper parts of its body are closely co- 
vered with scales of different sizes, which it can erect at 
pleasure, opposing to its adversary a formidable row of 
offensive weapons. The Tiger, the Panther, or the Leo- 
pard in vain attempt to force it. The moment it per- 
ceives the approach of an enemy, it rolls itself up like a 
Hedge-hog, and by that means secures all the weaker 
parts of its body. 

It is a native of the Indian isles, and is likewise said to 
be found in Guinea. 

It is slow in its motions ; grows to the length of eight 
feet, including its tail, which is four. 

Its flesh is much esteemed for its delicacy ; but it is 
difficult to procure, as the animal avoids mankind, and 
lives in obscure retreats, in woods, and marshv places. 

Ti 



49^ HISTORY OF gUADRUPEDS. 

THE LONG-TAILED MANIS, 

{Manis Tetradactyla, Lin. — Le Phaiagin, Buff.) 

Is less than the last, being no more than a foot long' 
from head to tail. Its body is covered with sharp -point- 
ed scales ; its throat and belly with hair : Its legs are 
short ; and each foot has four claws. It is remarkable 
for the great length of its tail, which in some is above a 
yard long. 

It is a native of Guinea, has been sometimes called the 
Scaly Lizard, and may be said to be the connecting 
link in the chain of being between quadrupeds and rep- 
tiles. 

THE ARMADILLO, 

Is found only in South America, where there are several 
varieties of them. — They are all covered with a strong 
crust or shell, and are distinguished from each other by 
the number of the llexibie bands of which it is composed. 

It is a harmless, inoffensive animal ; feeds on roots, 
fruits, and other vegetables ,- grows very fat ; and is 
greatl)^ esteemed for the delicacy of its flesh. 

The Indians hunt it v/ith small Dogs, trained for that 
purpose. When surprised, it runs to its hole, or at- 
tempts to make a new one, which it does with great 
expedition, having strong claws on its two fore feet, with 
which it adheres so firmly to the ground, that, if it 
should be caught by the tail whilst making its way into 
the earth, its resistance is so great, that it will sometimes 
leave it in thQ hands of its pursuers : To avoid this, the- 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 499 

hunter has recourse to artifice ; and, by tickling it with 
a stick, it gives up its hold, and suffers itself to be taken 
alive. If no other means of escape be left, it rolls itself 
up within its covering by drawing in its head and legs, 
and bringing its tail round them as a band to connect 
them more forcibly together ; in this situation it some- 
times escapes by rolling itself over the edge of a preci- 
pice, and generally falls to the bottom unhurt. 

The most successful m.ethod of catching Armadillos is 
by snares laid for them by the sides of rivers or other 
places where they frequent. — They all burrow very deep 
in the ground, and seldom stir out, except during the 
night, whilst they are in search of food. 

To give a minute description of the shells or coverings 
of the Armadillos would be extremely difficult, as they 
are all composed of a number of parts, differing greatly 
from each other in the order and disposition of the fi- 
gures with which they are distinguished : But it may be 
necessary to observe, that in general there are two large 
pieces that cover the shoulders and the rump, between 
which lie the bands, which are more or less in number 
in different kinds. These bands are not unlike those in 
the tail of a lobster ; and, being flexible, give way to the 
motions of the animal. -^The first we shall mention is 

THE THREE-BANDED ARMADILLO. 

(Dasypus Tridncius, Lin. — LApaVy Buff.) 

Its shell is about twelve inches long, with three bands 
in the middle ; The crust on the head, back, and rump, 

Ii2 



500 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDST. 

is divided into a number of elegant raised figures, witit 
five angles or sides : Its tail is not more than two inches^ 
long : It has neither cutting nor canine teeth ; and has 
five toes on each foot. 




THE SIX-BANDED ARMADILLO, 

(DaspusSexcinchiS:, Lin. — LEncoubert, BuiF.) 

Is about the size of a young Pig. Between the folds of 
the bands there are a few scattered hairs ; Its tail is long, 
thick at the base, and tapers to a point.— — It is fouiwl m ^ 
Brazil and Guiana. 

THE EIGHT-BANDED ARMADILLO, 

fLe Tatueite, BuW,) 

is furnished with eight bands. Its ears are long and up- 
right ; eyes small and black : It has four toes on the fore 
feet, and five on the hind : Its length from nose to tail 
is about ten inches ; the tail nine. It inhabits Bra- 
zil and is reckoned more delicious eating than the others^ 



IJISTOKY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



.|Ol 




THE MIME-BAMDED JR31ADILL0, 

{Dasypus Novcmcindus, Lin. — Le Cachichame, Buff.) 

Ha s a tenth band, moveable half way up on each side : 
^riie shell on the shoulders and rump is mai'ked with hex- 
angular figures ; the breast and belly are covered with 
long hairs ; its tail is long and taper ; and the whole ani- 
mal three feet in length. 

One of this kind was brought to England a few years 
ago from the Musquito shore, an4 lived some time. It 
was fed with raw beef and milk, but refused to eat our 
fruits and grain. 




I '6 



502 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




a^ y'^NSKi^ 



THE KABASSOU, 

Is furnished with twelve bands, and is the largest of all 
the Armadillos, being almost three feet long from nose 
to tail : The figures on the shoulders are of an oblong 
form ; those on the rump hexangular. It is seldom 

eaten. 



THE WEASEL-HEADED ARMADILLO, 

fDasypus Unicinctiis^ Lin. — Le Cirquingon, Buff.) 

So called from the form of its head, which is slender, 
has eighteen bands from its shoulder to its tail : the 
shell is m?a ked vv- ith square figures on the shoulders ; 
those on the legs and thighs are roundish : The body is 
about fifteen inches long ; tail fixve. 

All these animals have the power of drawing them- 
selves up under their shells, either for the purpose of re^ 
pose or safety. They are furnished with strong lateral 
muscles, consisting of numberless fibres, crossing each 
other in the form of an X, with which they contract 
themseh/es so povverfully, that the strongest man is 

scarcely able to force them open. The shells of the 

larger Armadillos are much stronger than those of the 
smaller kinds : Their fiesh is likewise hai^der, and more 
unfit tQv the table. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



m$ 




THE WALRUS, OR SEA-HORSE. 



{Trichechus Rosmarus, lAn.—Le Morse, B 



nil. ; 



There arc several animals whose residence is almost 
constantly in the water, and which seem to partake grcat- 
iy of the nature of fishes, that are nevertheless classed by 
naturalists under the denorainaticn of quadrupeds ; and 
being perfectly amphibious, living with equal ease in the 
water as on land, may be considered as the last step in 
the scale of Nature, by which we are conducted from one 
great division of the animal world to the other,— -Of 
these the Walrus is the most considerable for its size, 
being sometimes found eighteen feet in length, and 
twelve in circumference at the tliickest pail : It is like- 
wise remarkable for two large tusks in the upper jaw, 
which sometimes exceed two feet in kngth, and Nveigh 
from three to twenty pounds eacho*^ 

The head of the Walrus is round ; its lips very broad^ 
and covered over ^vlt^\ thick pellucid bristles; its eyei: 

* These tusks are of a substance eiifB.cier.tly har(^ to s-r-iV'- ??r& 
•with a steel, — A, E. 

I i d 



504f HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

small and red ; instead of ears, it has two small orifices ; 
and above the whiskers, semicircular nostrils, through 
which it throws out water like the whale, but with much 
less noise : Its skin is thick and wrinkled, and has a thin 
covering of short brownish hair : Its legs are short : It 
has five toes on each foot, connected by membranes ; 
and on each toe a small nail : The hind feet are very- 
broad, and extended nearly on a line with the body. 

The Walrus is chiefly found in the northern seas. — 
Great herds of them are sometimes seen together on the 
sea shore, or sleeping on an island of ice. When alarm- 
ed, they instantly throw themselves into the water with 
great precipitation. If wounded, they become bold and 
furious, and unite in the defence of each other : They 
will attack a boat, and endeavour to sink it by striking 
their great teeth into its sides, at the same time bellowing 
in a most hideous manner. 

It is hunted for its teeth, which are equal to those of 
the Elephant for durability and whiteness. 

An ordinary Walrus is said to yield half a ton of oil, 
equal in goodness to that of a whaJe. 

The female produces one or two young at a time, 
which she suckles upon land. 

In climbing upon the ice, the Walrus makes use of its 
teeth as hooks to secure its hold, and draw its great un- 
wieldly body after it. It feeds on sea- weeds and shell- 
fish, which it is said to disengage from the rocks to which 
they adhere with its tusks. 

The White Bear is its greatest enemy. — In the com- 
bats between these animals, the Walrus is said to be ge- 
nerally victorious, on account of the desperate wounds it 
inflicts with its teeth. 



^«i 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 505 




THE SEAL, 

(Phoca Vitulina, Lin. — Le P/ioque, BuiF.) 

Is found, with some variety, in almost every quarter of 
the globe : In the northern seas of Asia, Europe, and 
America ; as well as the less frequented regions towards 
the south pole. 

Its usual length is from five to six feet. The body is 
closely covered with short hair of various colours, smooth 
and shining ; its tongue is forked at the end ; it has two 
canine teeth in each jaw, six cutting teeth in the upper, 
and four in the lower ; it has five toes on each foot, fur- 
nished with strong sharp claws, which enable it to climb 
the rocks, on which it frequently basks. 

It swims with great strength and swiftness, is very 
playful, and sports without fear about ships and boats.— 
It feeds on various kinds of fish, and is frequently seen 
jiear the shore in pursuit of its prey. 

Seals are found in great abundance on the coasts of 
Great-Britain ; particularly in the deep recesses and ca- 
verns in the northern parts of the Island, where they re- 
sort in the breeding time, and continue till tlie youn^- 
ones are old enough to go to sea. 



505 HISTORY OF gUADPi.UPEl>S. 

The time for taking Seals is in the month of October, 
or the beginning of November, The hunters provided 
with torches and bludgeons, enter the mouths of the ca- 
verns about midnight, and row in as far as they can : 
They then land ; and, being properly stationed, begin by 
making a great noise, which alarms the Seals, and brings 
them dovvii from all parts of the cavern in a confused bo-^ 
dy, making frightful shrieks and cries. In this hazard- 
ous employments, great care is necessary on the part of 
the hunters to avoid the throng, which presses down with 
great impetuosity, and bears away every thing that op- 
poses its progress ; but when the first crowd is past, they 
kill great numbers of young ones, which generally strag- 
gle behind, by striking them on the nose. 

A young Seal yields above eight gallons of oil. — When 
full grown, their skins are very valuable, and make a 
beautiful kind of leather, much used in making shoes, 
&c. 

The flesh of the Seal is sometimes eaten ; and that it 
was formerly admitted to the tables of the great, may be 
seen in the bill-of-fare of a sumptuous entertainment 
given b}- archbishop Nevil in the reign of Edward the 
Fourth. 

The growth of Seals is so amazingly rapid, that after 
,Hme tides from their birth they are as active as the old 
ones. 

The female brink's forth her younj^ on the land, sits on 
her hind legs while she suckles them, and as soon as they' 
lire able, carries them to sea, and learns them to swim and 
search for food : When they become fatigued, she places 
them on her back. — -The young ones know the voice of 
their mother, and attend to her c-alL 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 507 

The voice of the Seal has been compared to the hoarse 
barking of a Dog ; when young, it is clearer, and resem- 
bles the mewing of a Cat. 

Seals are likewise found in the Mediterranean and Cas- 
pian seas, in the lake Baikal, and some of the lai^ger 
lakes. These are smaller than the salt-water Seals ; but 
so fat, that they seem almost sliapeless. 

THE HOODED SEAL, 

Is found in the south of Greenland, and is distinguished 
by a thick fol(|i on its forehead, with which it can cover 
its ey^s and jrtose. Its hair is vv'hite, v\^ith a thick coat of 
black woolly hair underneath, which makes it appear of 
a fine gray colour. — The hunters say that it is not easily 
killed, till the covering on its head is removed. 




^o8 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS, 




THE URSIJ^E SEAL, OR SEA-BEAR, 



(Flwca Ursina, Lin. — UOurs Marin, Buff.) 

Is much lai'ger than the common Seal, being eight feet 
in length, and weighing eight hundred pounds. 

These animals are found among the islands whith lie 
between Kamschatka and America ; also on the co^tsts of 
New Zealand, Staten Island, New Georgia, and^ Falk- 
land's islands. — They lie in thousands on th^ shore, in 
separate families, each consisting of above an hundred. 
One male will sometimes have fifty females, which he 
guards with extreme jealousy. They are excessively fat 
and indolent, sometimes even scarcely moving from the 
place where they lie for the space of three months ; 
during vv^hich time the females breed and suckle their 
young. If another approach their station, they are rous- 
45d from their supineness : A battle ensues, which fre- 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 509 

quently becomes general, and spreads confusion through 
the whole shore. These conflicts are extremely violent ; 
and the wounds given are very deep, resembling a cut 
with a sabre. 

The attachment of the male to the young is very- 
strong : He defends them with great obstinacy, and fre- 
quently revenges their loss upon the female, whom he 
beats most cruelly; whilst she crawls to his feet, and 
seems to deprecate his wrath with the most obsequious 
gestures. 

The female generally brings forth one, seldom two, at 
a time. 

They swim with great ease, at the rate of about sevea 
miles in an hour.- — When wounded, they will seize on a 
boat, carry it along with them, and sometimes sink it. — 
They can continue a long time under water. — In climb- 
ing rocks, they fasten their fore paws, and draw them- 
selves up. 

These, and all the Seal kind, will live a long time 
after receiving the most dreadful wounds ; but the most 
trifling blow on the snout or forehead instantly kills 
them. 

The general colour of these animals is black. They 
are covered with a coat of long rough hair, under w^hich 
is a soft down of a bay colour. On the neck of the old 
ones, the hair is erect, and a little longer than the rest. 

The fat and flesh of the old males are very nauseous ? 
but that of the females and the young, when roasted, arc- 
said to be as good as the flesh of a sucking Pig. 



510 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

THE BAT. 

Th I s singular animal is distinguished from every other 
quadruped by being furnished with wings, and seems to 
possess a middle nature between four-footed animals and 
birds : It is allied to the one by the faculty of flying on- 
ly, to the other both by its external and internal struc- 
ture ; in each respect it has the appearance of an imper- 
fect animal. In walkings its feet seem to be entangled 
with its wings, and it drags its body on the ground with 
extreme aukwardness. Its motions in the air do not 
seem to be performed with ease ; it raises itself from the 
ground with difficulty, and its flight is laboured and ill 
directed ; from whence it has very significantly been cal- 
led the Flitter-Mouse. — — There are several varieties 
©f the Bat kind. 




THE SHORT-EARED BAT, 

{ Vesper illio Id itrinus:, Lin. — Le cJiaiive Souris, Buff.) 

Is found in almost every part of Europe, and is most 

commonly known in Great-Britain. — Its usual length is 

.about tv/o inches and a half; the extent of the winge 

h-ine inches* 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS^ 511 

It makes its first appearance early in the summer. It 
sleeps during the day, and begins its flight in the dusk of 
the evening. It frequents the sides of woods, glades^ 
and shady walks ; and is frequently observed to skim a- 
long the surface of the water in quest of gnats and other 
insects, which are its principal food. 

Its membranes or wings ai'e of a dusky colour, and ve- 
ry thin ; they extend from the fore feet to the tail : The 
hind feet are divided into five toes, furnished with claws ; 
the body is covered v/ith a short soft fur, of a mouse - 
colour, tinged with red ; the eyes are very small ; and 
the ears like those of a Mouse ; it has four cutting teeth 
in the upper jaw, and six in the under. 

The female produces two young at a time, which she 
suckles at her breast ; and is said to carry them when fly- 
ing. 

Towards the end of summer, the Bat retires into 
caves, old buildings, or hollow trees ; where it remains 
in a state of inactivity. During winter, some cover 
themselves with their wings as with a mantle, and sus- 
pend themselves by the hind feet ; others stick fast to old 
isalls ; and some retire into holes. 




Sl« HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




THE LOJSTG-EARED BAT, 

(Vespertilio Aurltus, Lin. — UOreUlar, Buff.) 

Is only an inch and three quarters in length ; the extent 
of its wings is seven inches i its ears are above an inch 
long, ver}^ thin, and almost transparent ; within each of 
them there is a membrane, resembling an ear, which 
may possibly ser^^e as a valve to defend the organs of 
hearing during its inactive state, 

THE GREAT BAT, 

(La Nodule, BuiF.) 

Is found in Great-Britain, but is not so common as the 
two last mentioned : It is likewise found in France, and 
is common in various paits of Russia. 

Its length is nearly three inches ; that of the tail one 
and seven-tenths ; the extent of the wings thirteen inch- 
es ; the ears are short, the hair of a reddish-ash coloui^j 
and on the chin there is a verv small wart. 



filSTORY OF QUADRUPEDS; £15 

THE PIPISTRELLE, 

Is the smallest, and its appearance the least disgusting, 
of all Bats. Its length is not quite one inch and a quar- 
ter ; the extent of its wings six and a half ; its nose is 
smallj ears bfoad, and its forehead covered with long 
hairs ; the upper part of the body is of a yellowish-brown 
colour, the lower part dusky, and the lips yellow. — It in- 
habits France, and is common in Russia and Siberia.; 

THE BARBASTELLE, 

Is distinguished by the shortness of its face, almost con- 
cealed by its large broad ears, the bases of which touch 
each other, and cover the forehead and eyes : Its cheeks 
are full, and its lips hairy ; its nose is very short, and the 
end of it flat. Its length is about two inches ; the extent 
of the wings ten and a half.- — It is found in France* 

THE SEROTINE^ 

Is about the size of the common Bat ; its nose is some- 
what longer ; its ears are short, and broad at the base ; 
the hair on the upper part of the body is of a light brown 
or rust colour, and the belly paler. — It is likewise found 
in France. ** 

THE HORSESHOE BAT, 

Is distinguished by a membrane surrounding its nose and 
upper lip somewhat in the form of a horse-shoe ; from 
whence it derives its name. Its eai's are long, verv broad 

Kk 



r^l'^ HISTORY OF (QUADRUPEDS. 

at the base, and are not furnished with a smaller or m-^ 
tenia! ear, common to almost all the Bat kind : The up- 
per part of the body is of an ash colour, the belly whi- 
tish. — They vary in size ; the largest are above three 
inches and a half long from the nose to the end of the 
tail ; the extent of the wings is above fourteen. 

This kind is very common in France, and is the last of 
seven distinct species described by M. BulFon as natives 
of that country. — These are all equally harmless, diminu- 
tive, and obscure; shunning the light, and endeavouring 
to conceal themselves in holes and caverns. They never 
come out, but during the night, in quest of food ; and 
return at day-break to their dreary habitations. — But un- 
der the influence of a warmer climate, the Bat assumes 
a very different character, and possesses powers, which 
render it formidable to mankind, and a scourge to those 
countries v» here it is found. Some of them ai'e as large 
as a well-grown pullet ; and so numerous, that they fre- 
quently darken the air as they fly. They are fond of 
blood, and will attack men whom they find asleep ; they 
are said to introduce their sharp-pointed tongues into a 
vein, sucking the blood till they ai^e satiated, without 
awakening the sufferer. 

The ancients had an imperfect knowledge of these 
animals ; and from their aptness to convert every object 
of terror into an imaginary being, it is probable they had 
conceived the idea" of Harpies, from the cruelty, voracity^ 
and disgusting deformity of these creatures. 

These monsters inhabit Madagascar, and all the islands 
of the Indian Ocean : They have likewise been found in 
New- Holland, the Friendly Isles, the New Hebrides, and 
New-Caledonia. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS^. 



$1$ 




THE TERMATE BAT, 
( Vesper tilio Vawpynis^ Lin. — La BonssettCyl^wW.) 

Is above one foot in length, aiitd the extent of its wings 
more than four ; It has large canine teeth, four cutting 
teeth above, and the same below ; its tongue is pointed, 
and terminated with sharp-pointed papillae, or prickles ; 
its nose is sharp, and its ears large and naked ; it has 
five toes on the hind feet, furnished with strong hooked 
claws ; it has no tail ; the head is of a dark rust colour ; 
the back dusky ; the neck, shoulders, and under side, of 
a lightish -brown, inclining to red ; the membranes of the 
wings dusky. 

Kk2 



SI 6 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

They feed on fruits, and are extremely fond of the 
juice of the palm-tree, with which they will frequently 
intoxicate themselves, so as to drop on the ground. One 
hundred and fifty or two hundred of them may some- 
times be seen on the same tree, all hanging with their 
heads down, and their wings folded ; and in this manner 
they repose during great pail of the day. — They grow ve- 
ry fat at certain times of the year ; and when young, 
they are eaten by the Indians, and considered as excel- 
lent food 

THE mUGETTE, OR LESSER TERNATE BAT, 

Inhabits the same countries, and is very similar to the 
last in the shape of its head and body : The hair is of a 
cinereous brown colour ; and on the neck it has a half- 
collar, of a lively red, mixed with orange. It is about 
five inches long ; and the extent of its wings little more 
than two feet. 

The Rougettes lly in flocks, and perfectly obscure the 
air with their numbers. They fly from one island to 
another, and begin their flight about sun- set. During 
the day, they lodge in the hollow trunks of trees. The}^ 
live chiefly in trees ; and when about to fly, they beat 
the air with their wings, before they can disengage them- 
selves from the branch to vvhich they are attached.-^ 
When shot or suddenly surprised, several of them fall 
to the ground ; and in that situation are incapa.ble of re- 
suming their flight, till tliey climb upon some elevated 
object. They move aukwardly on the ground, and use 
their utmost efforts to quit it as soon as possible.— Both 
these kinds bring only one young at a time once a year.- 



HiSTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 51 7 

THE SPECTRE BAT 

(Vespertilio Spectrum^ hin.-^Le Vampire, Buff.) 

Its nose is long; and at the end there is a membrane, 
of a conical form, somcAvhat like a horn, but flexile, 
which gives it a hideous and disgusting aspect. It has 
no tail. Its body is covered with long hair, of an ash 
colour. r^ It is found in Surinam. Stedman, in his ac- 
count of that colony; particularly describes it, and says 
that it is fond of human blood. 

THE SENEGAL BAT, 

Has two cutting teeth in the upper, and six in the under 
jaw ; and two canine teeth, and eight grinders, in each 
jaw : Its head is long, ears short and pointed, head and 
body of a tawny-brovm colour, belly lighter, length ra- 
ther more than four inches, extent of the wings twenty- 
one. It is found m Senegal. 

7'HE BULL'DOG BAT. 

Its nose is thick ; lips large, and somewhat pendulous ; 
its ears are broad and round, the edges touching each 
other in the front ; the upper part of the body is of a 
deep ash colour, the lower paler ; its tail long ; length 
about two inches ; extent of the wings nine and a half: 
It has twenty-six teeth ; two cutting and two canine in 
each jaw ; eight grinders in the upper, and ten in tlic 
lower jaw, — It inhabits the WcstJndics. 



51 8 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 

THE BEARDED BAT. 

The nostrils of this animal are not separated by a car- 
tilage, as in most animals, but are placed on the side of a 
small gutter or furrow, which is open from one end to 
the other ; the ears are long and narrow ; the upper part 
of the head and body is of a reddish-brown colour, the 
lower part whitish, tinged with yellov/ ; hair on the fore- 
head and under the chin very long; length of the body 
about an inch and a half, — extent of the wings little 
more than seven. 

THE STRIPED BAT, 

(Vespertilio Spasina, Lin.) 

Has a small, short nose ; ears short, broad, and pointing 
forward.-— These Bats vary in colour. The body is ge^ 
neraliy of a clear brown, the under part whitish : Its 
wings are striped with black, and sometimes v/ith yellow 

and brown. — Length of the body two inches. It is a 

native of Ceylon, where it is called Kirkvoula. 

To this we may add a very minute kind, mentioned by 
Mr. Forster, w^hich was seen and heard in myriads on the 
island of Tanna, one of the New Hebrides ; but every 
attempt of our voyagers to obtain a nearer inspection of 
them failed of success. 

Bats differ very much in the number and disposition of 
their teeth, which has occasioned no small confusion in 
the arrangem^ents of systematic writers ; some of them 
being furnished with two, others Vvdth m.ore, cutting 
teeth in each jaw. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 51.9 

We have now given the most distinguished varieties of 
this curious species. It would be fruitless, if not impos- 
sible, to point out all the peculiarities to be found in the 
various tribes which abound in every country in the 
world, and differ from each o'her more in their habits 
and dispositions than in their exterior form and appear- 
ance, which in all of them seem to be equally deformed 
and disgusting. — But we should not from hence conclude 
that imperfection and deformity are always in uniform 
analogy with the notions we have preconceived of v» hat 
is fair and beautiful. — Amidst the infinite productions of 
Creative Power, variety of form, difference of faculties, 
and degrees of utility, are eminently observable ; comi- 
posing one general plan, in ^vhich v/isdom, order, and 
fitness, are displayed through all its parts. 




9i^pmUx. 



THE figures and descriptions of two very rare ani. 
mals, were sent to the Literary and Philosophical Society 
of Newcastle upon Tyne, from New South Wales, by 
James Hunter, Esq. Governor of that settlement. 

The one appeal's to be of the Opossum genus, of 
which the most unquestionable proof is, that it has a 
false belly or pouch, for the reception of its young after 
their protrusion from the uterus ; common to every ani- 
mal of that kind. 

The other seems to be an animal sui generis ; it ap- 
pears to possess a threefold nature, that of a fish, a bird, 
and a quadruped, and is related to nothing that we have 
hitherto seen : No attempt will now be made to arrange 
it by any of the usual modes of classification, but the de- 
scription of these curious animals will be given as they 
were transmitted to the abovementioned society. 

There are several American animals, of which the pub- 
lishers have thought proper to make mention in the 
Appendix to this work. They add to its value and en- 
large the subject of Zoological enquiry. 



522 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




M 



THE WO MB AC H. 

''''Sydney^ Nevj^SoiithTVales^ August 5, 1798, 

^' This animal was found upon an island on the coast 
of New South Wales, in latitude 40° 36' S. where con- 
siderable numbers vv ere caught by the company of a ship 
¥/hich had been wrecked there on her voyage from Ben- 
gal to Port Jackson. 

'^ I received this animal alive, by a vessel v/hichi had 
sent to the relief of the sufferers : It w^as exceedingly 
weak vrhen it arrived, as it had, during its confinement 
on board, refused every kind of sustenance, except a 
small quantity of boiled rice, which was forced down its 
throat. I had it frequently taken out of the box in 
Vv^hich it was kept, that it mi<?ht receive the benefit of 
the \varmth of the sun, which, however, it did not seem 
to enjoy; but whenever it could shelter itself under a 
shrub, there it vould continue and sleep. It refuses 
CYQiV kind of food on shore as it had done on board, bit 
we could see it sometimes nibble a little of the rootsof 
rushes or grass : It grew weaker every day, was cxcc-d- 
ingly harmJess, and v/ould allow any person to cary it 
about. After having lived, with scarcely any l.'^^ of 
food, for six weeks, it died; and its intestines anc brain 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 52S 

having been taken out, I preserved the body in spirits, 
for the inspection of the learned members of the Literary 
and Philosophical Society of Newcastle upon Tyne. 

*' It is about the size of a Badger, a species of which 
we supposed it to be, from its dexterity in burrowing in 
the earth, by means of its fore paws ; but on watching 
its general motions, it appeared to have much of the ha- 
bits and manner of a Bear. 

'^ Its head is large; the forehead, above the eyes, is 
particularly broad, from Vvdiich it tapers to the nose, 
w^hich is a hard grisly substance, and seems well adapted 
for removing the earth when it burrows : It has tv/o 
cutting teeth in each jaw, long and sharp like those of a 
Kanguroo, with a space of about an inch between them 
and the grinders, which are strong and well set : From 
the structure of its teeth, it does not appear to be a car- 
nivorous animal : Its eyes are small a3id black; its eai's 
short and pointed ; its pav/s are something like those of a 
Beaver : Its weight appeared to be about forty pounds. 
It runs aukwarcliy, in the manner of a Bear, so that a 
man could easily overtake it. There is something un- 
common in the form of its hinder parts ; its posteriors 
do not round off like those of most other animals, but 
fall suddenly down in a sloping direction, com.mencing at 
the hip joint, and descending to the knee joint of the 
hind legs ; from this joint to the toe it appears to tread 
fiat upon the ground ; its tail is so short, as hardly to be 
discovered : Its colour is that of a cream-coloured brown, 

intermixed with black hairs. This animal has lately 

been discovered to bean inhabitant of the interior of this 
country also. Its flesh is delicate meat. — This one is a 



524 HISTORY OF gUADRUPEBS. 

female, and has the false belly* for the security of its 
young. The mountain natives call it Wornbach.^^ 

* It is a remarkable circumstance, that the few animals hitherto 
found in the newly discovered countries in the South Seas, should 
all be distinguished by the pouch or false belly, though in other 
respects they differ from each other both inform and manner. 




HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



S2. 




THE HAMSTER OF GEORGIA. 



A specimen of this animal was forwarded to Dr. Mit- 
cliill by President Meigs, of the University of Georgia^ 
in 1801. It burrows in the pine land, and is found in 
great numbers in the tract between Savannah and Augus- 
ta. Its body is of the length and thickness of a large 
common Rat, and of the same colour : the head between 
that of a Rat and a Mole, with small whiskers and a 
short snout ; the fore feet are som.ewhrit like those of a 
Mole, with nails near an inch long. The hind feet like 
those of a Rat : each foot has live claws : the tail is not 
near so long as a Rat's and is without hair ; the eyes 
are very sparkling ; the ears short ; teeth like those of 
a Squirrel and full as long : there are pouches in the 
cheeks externally, one on each side ; these he fills with 
provision, and each will hold a large table-spoon full ; 
is rather clumsy ^ but remarkably fierce, soon eats his 
way out of any wooden place of confinement ; lives on 
sweet potatoes and other roots, and is often injurious to 
farmers by getting under their stacks ; he is so shy and 
wild that it is difficuh to kill or even get a sight of him. 
This creature differs materially from any species of tlie 
Hamster, or Mus Cjicetus of Europe. For further 
particulars see Mr. Milledge's account, in the 5th vol.. 
of the Medical Repository, p. BD. • 



526 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




THE WILD SHEEP OF CALIFORNIA. 

A fme dried preparation of this Quadruped was 
brought to New- York in 1802, by Mr. M'Gillivray, who 
killed it in latitude 50, north. This was examined by 
Dr. Mitchill during the short time it remained in Mr. 
Savage's Pvluseum. It has been called by some the Cal- 
ifornian Deer, but the form of the horns cleai^ly place it 
among the ^//<:^(?/;. The body though smaller is almost 
like that of the American Elk, described by Dr. E. H. 
Smith, in Medical Repository, vol. 2, p. 168, but the 
neck and head have a near resemblance to those of the 
Ram ; the body is not covered with wool, but is hairy 
with somewhat of fur within. These creatures were ob- 
served by the Jesuit Missionaries to California as long 
ago as the year 1697. They are of several varieties and 
colours, and are reckoned excellent and dainty food. 
There is a figure of one in Venegas's History of Califor- i 
nia, which being incorrect, we have thought it worth the 
while to give a new one delineated from nature. We 
have not heard of any of them to the eastwaixl of the Mis- 
sissippi. It is an innocent herbivorous animal, and 
when full grown the large male is about twelve hands 
high, the female con-'jiderably smaller. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



5^7 




AM AMPHIBIOUS ANIMAL, 



" Is found in the fresh water lakes, which is about the 
size of a small Cat, it chiefly frequents the banks of the 
lakes ; its bill is very similar to that of a duck, and it 
probably feeds in muddy places in the same way ; its 
eyes are very small ; it has four short legs ; the fore legs 
are shorter than those of the hind, and their webs spread 
considerably beyond the claw s, which enables it to swim 
w^ith great ease ; the hind legs are also webbed, and the 
claws are long and sharp. They are frequently seen on 
the surface of the water, where they blow like a turtle : 
Their tail is thick, short and very fat. 

" The natives say they sometimes see them of a very- 
large size." 



5^S 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 




THE MAMMOTH OF MEW-TORK. 

We give a figure of the entire skeleton of this huge 
inhabitant of the American Continent, as dug up in 
Orange county on the west side of the Hudson, about 
seventy miles north of the city of New- York. The first 
pubhc mention of these enormous fossil bones was made 
by Sylvanus Miller, Esq. in a letter to Dr. Mitchill, 
which was followed by another from J. G. Graliam. 
Both these gentlemen were natives of the place where 
they Vv' ere found, and knew all the particulars of the ad- 
jacent Region. The bones are dug up in swampy spots, 
where they lie buried in the calcai-eous earth of Shell- 
Marie. Mr. Peale, of Philadelphia, has since succeeded 
in raising two skeletons, which with some supplemen- 
tary parts, are now entire. They give a grand idea of 
this enormous beast, which from his 'wory tusks, his short 
neck, and his Vv'ant of cutting teeth in both jaws, is evi- 
dently an Elephant, though probably of a species not 
described in any of the books, nor known to have been 
ever seen alive. For particuiai's see Medical Repository^ 
vol. 4, p. 211. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 529 

DIMENSIONS OF THE SKELETON. 



Height over the shoulders 

Length from the chin to the rump 

From the end of the tusks to the end of the tail 

Width of the hips and body 

Length of the under jaw . - . 

Weight of the same GS^lbs, 

Length of the thigh bone 

Smallest circumference of the same 

Length of the large bone of the fore leg 

Largest circumference of the same 

Smallest do, do. 

Circumference round the elbow 

Length of the tusks, defences or horns 

Circumference of one tooth 

Weight of the same 41b. lOoz. 

The whole skeleton weighs about lOOOlbs* 




Feet. Inches, 


11 





15 





31 





5 


8 


3 


1 


3 


7 


1 


6 


2 


9 


3 


21 


1 


5 


3 


8 


10 


7 


1 


H 



L 



530 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 
G E 




THE VIVIPAROUS SHARK 

OF LONG ISLAND. 

The annexed figure exhibits a curious instance of an 
animal, neither wholly ovipai'ous as birds are, nor yet en- 
tirely viviparous like Quadrupeds : It is the young of a 
species of Shark, caught and dissected by Dr. Mitchill. 
The figure is taken by permission from the 1st. volume 
of the Monthly Magazine and American Review, p. 323 ; 
to which we refer for the particulars at large. And on 
closing our account of Quadi'upeds, we deemed it a for- 
tunate circumstance to be able to shew by a plate and dis- 
section, how nearly that class of animals borders upon 
fishes and birds, in the production of their young. The 
peculiai'ity of this Shark is, that though it brings forth 
its voung alive like land animals, the young are at the 
same time connected each with an ovum or egg, after 
the manner of Birds. And neither the young nor the egg 
have any manner of connection with the dam or parent 
Animal. This singular structure of the foetus probably 
perv^ades the whole tribe of the Sharks and Dogs-fishes. 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 531 

A. The Ovum, with its exterior membrane dissected off. 

B. The internal tube or du6l extending from the egg to a 
sac or reservoir of nutriment, within the body of the fish. 

C. The sac alluded to in B, of considerable size, and oc- 
cupying a good deal of room in the abdomen: it was filled 
with a pulpy or soft matter, evidently derived from the ovum, 
and apparently a little more elaborated, and prepared for 
nutrition, by some concoctive operation in the sac itself. 

D. The stomach, as yet not distended; of course exceed- 
ingly small ; having never been filled with food derived from 
the mouth. In the plate will be seen a small passage or open- 
ing. 

E. through which the alimentary matter in the sac, C, 
passes into the stomach, to be absorbed afterwards by the 
lacteals of the intestines. 

F. The CEsophagus, of nearly the same size with the 
stomach. 

G. G. The two lobes of the liver. 

H. The Cloaca, or gut stretching towards the anus, and 
filled with the refuse matter of the alimentary mass. 

I. The external membrane connecting the egg with the 
fish, cut through and turned back. 




12388 



LBJe'21 



1^ 



,0^ ^ 









^^-^^ 



^^^ 



.^y ^ 



"^o^ 



> 



G^ 






A 







< 






^ " -- -^ o - ,s^^ 




